I think this one might seem counter-intuitive to you. I struggled with it, initially, too. I’m sure you’re thinking, “Mary is not like Eve. She’s almost opposite of Eve!” I agree. It is that very dichotomy that brings us to this concept, Mary as The New Eve. Let me explain.
There are only two women in all of history who we believe were conceived without sin, Eve and Mary. Eve because she and Adam hadn’t yet eaten from the forbidden tree, and Mary, who was conceived without sin by the grace of God who chose her to bear His Son.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains,”Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God’s grace ” (found here, §494) Then they share this quote from St. Irenaeus: “Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert. . .: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith.”
Many people also think of Mary as an image of our own destiny. She was born immaculate and remained so. We will be immaculate when we are completely cleansed of our sin and arrive in heaven.
I think this understanding of Mary is what makes her such a beloved saint, above all others, for many Catholics. In fact, most of the saints we have studied show similar devotion to Mary. As we have said a couple times this week, she is the ultimate example for us.
We all strive to mimic Mary’s obedience and trust of God in our lives, but that is a high expectation. Fortunately, God is infinitely forgiving and patient …because I know I need it!
Thank you Lord for guiding us through this week of learning about Mary. Help us to find Your divine will in the devotions and prayers that we read. Guide us to take the example of Mary as we move into our Advent preparation.