Mary in the Epistles by Thomas Stiverd Livius. Comments on the Epistles part 23

THE EPISTLE OF S. PAUL TO THE GALATIANS. CHAPTER V.

13 By charity of the Spirit serve one another.

What an example of humble charity did the Mother of God show forth, when filled with the charity of the Spirit, she hasted to visit Elizabeth, and abode serving and ministering to her for three months.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity,

23 Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's, have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Here we have Mary's portrait drawn with her beautiful characteristic features. What was said above at 2 Cor. iv. 6, 10, is applicable here also.

CHAPTER VI.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens : and so you shall fulfil the law of Christ.

Christ bore our burdens, as He carried His Cross : and Mary helped Him by her sympathy and dolours.

8 For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. ... He that soweth in the spirit of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting.

Mary sowed blessings to the world, what wonder then that she has reaped the blessing of the world [Prov. xi. 25. See 2 Cor. ix. 6, supra.] " The soul that blesseth shall be made fat: and he that inebriateth, shall be inebriated also himself." l Mary's whole life from beginning to end was all in the Spirit: what then must be the harvest of glory she has gathered in life everlasting ?

14 God forbid that I should glory, save on the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

17 I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.

Who could use this language in any way comparably with Mary, the Mother of the Crucified ?