Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary: Marian Pneumatology
Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary: the working of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, from the Annunciation to Pentecost.
Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary: introduction
The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary is one of the central themes of Marian pneumatology. To understand the outpouring of the Spirit in Mary means to understand how the Holy Spirit acted in Mary from the Immaculate Conception onward, passed through the Annunciation, and culminated at Pentecost, making her the Spouse of the Spirit.
I. Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary at the Annunciation
The founding text of the outpouring of the Spirit in Mary is Lk 1:35: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you”. In this outpouring of the Spirit in Mary, the Virgin conceives the Word without the intervention of a man. The action of the Spirit is at once creative (it brings about newness) and indwelling (it makes Mary a temple).
II. Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary and the Immaculate Conception
The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary begins before the Annunciation: already at the Immaculate Conception, Mary is preserved from original sin by the action of the Spirit, in view of the merits of Christ. The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary is, therefore, continuous, embracing the whole life of the Virgin.
III. Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary throughout her life
The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary continues throughout her life: at the Visitation, when Mary, full of the Spirit, makes John the Baptist leap for joy in Elizabeth’s womb; in the Magnificat, an inspired canticle; at Cana, in discernment; at the foot of the Cross, in union with the Son. All of Mariology bears witness to the outpouring of the Spirit in Mary.
IV. Outpouring of the Spirit in Mary at Pentecost
Pentecost is the ecclesial moment of the outpouring of the Spirit in Mary. Acts 1:14 shows Mary in the Upper Room with the apostles. Acts 2:1-4 narrates the outpouring of the Spirit upon all. The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary at Pentecost does not mark its beginning (she already possessed it in fullness), but associates her with the birth of the Church. Mary becomes Mother of the Church.
V. Theological significance of the outpouring of the Spirit in Mary
The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary reveals who the Holy Spirit is: giver of life, creator, sanctifier, communion. It also shows who Mary is: Spouse of the Spirit, the first ecclesial realization. The outpouring of the Spirit in Mary is the model of the outpouring of the Spirit in the whole Church. Explore this more deeply in Dominum et Vivificantem by John Paul II.
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