Every Generation Across the Expanse

Continued ☝️ Every generation, across the expanse of human history and geography, is called to recognize the singular grace that God has bestowed upon her. This universal blessedness is not simply a matter of honor for its own sake. Rather, it is intricately tied to her role in the divine plan of salvation. As Father Giorgis Sasaksha explains, Mary’s grace was so profound that it lifted the curse of Eve. The unique gift given to Mary was never granted to any other descendant of Adam. Through her, the curse of the Fall was reversed, and the pathway to redemption was opened for all humanity. Thus, to call Mary blessed is not merely to praise her as an individual but to recognize the cosmic significance of her role in God’s redemptive plan. The Consequences of Failing to Honor Mary Just as praising Mary is a sign of being led by the Holy Spirit and being a child of God, the failure to honor her carries significant spiritual consequences. As the text states, “Not thanking Our Lady is leaving the child of God.” To reject the honor due to Mary is to reject the very will of God, for it is God who has bestowed grace and honor upon her. This is rooted in the words of Christ Himself, who declared, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me” (Matthew 10:40). To accept and honor Mary is to accept and honor Christ, for the grace given to her flows directly from Him. The text draws a powerful analogy from the story of Moses and the Israelites in the Book of Exodus. Just as the Israelites believed in God and in Moses as God's servant, so too must Christians believe in God and in the honor He has given to Mary. This belief does not equate to worshipping Mary, just as the Israelites did not worship Moses. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of God’s work through His chosen servant. Therefore, honoring Mary is not a form of idolatry but a recognition of the grace of God at work in her life and through her for the salvation of the world. The Incomprehensibility of Mary's Praise The final reflection draws from the writings of the Church Fathers, who express the overwhelming magnitude of Mary’s blessedness. St. Ephraim, in his love for the Virgin Mary, wished that his praises of her could be as abundant as the stars in the sky or the sands of the earth. Such hyperbolic language illustrates the vastness of her grace, which, as the text states, even the angels and the saints cannot fully comprehend. If heavenly beings and righteous martyrs struggle to offer adequate praise to Mary, how much more do we, in our earthly frailty, fall short? Yet, it is precisely in this inadequacy that the grace of the Holy Spirit works, allowing even the simplest of praises to rise to heaven as a true offering of thanksgiving. Conclusion In conclusion, the verse from Luke 1:48, “All generations will call me blessed,” serves as both a prophecy and a divine command. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Mary is rightly honored as the most blessed among women, chosen to bear the Savior of the world. The testimonies of Gabriel, Elizabeth, and even the unborn John the Baptist bear witness to the divine origin of her praise. To honor her is to participate in the work of God, and to neglect her honor is to separate oneself from the fullness of the faith. May we, like St. Ephraim, strive to offer her praise that is as numerous as the stars, recognizing that, in doing so, we are led by the Spirit and drawn closer to Christ Himself. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Please follow our Telegram group every day and share it with your friends: https://t.me/orthodoxQnAs