Communication Quote by The Church Fathers
““just as the former was led astray by the word of an angel, so that she fled from God when she had transgressed His word; so did the latter, by an angelic communication, receive the glad tidings that she should sustain (portaret) God, being obedient to His word. And if the former did disobey God, yet the latter was persuaded to be obedient to God, in order that the Virgin Mary might become the patroness (advocata) of the virgin Eve. And thus, as the human race fell into bondage to death by means of a virgin, so is it rescued by a virgin; virginal disobedience having been balanced in the opposite scale by virginal obedience. For in the same way the sin of the first created man (protoplasti) receives amendment by the correction of the First-begotten, and the coming of the serpent is conquered by the harmlessness of the dove, those bonds being unloosed by which we had been fast bound to death.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Early Christian writings on Mary and Eve, 4th‑5th century
The passage contrasts disobedient and obedient women, linking Eve’s fall with Mary’s obedience, suggesting redemption through virginity and divine grace
In simple terms: Eve’s disobedience is balanced by Mary’s obedience, showing redemption through purity
Key Takeaway
Recognize how obedience can counteract past failures
Themes
theology
redemption
gender
paradox
virginity
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
theological
didactic
When to use this quote
- Personal reflection on obedience
- teaching about Mary in catechism
- articulating theological contrasts in sermons
- writing comparative religious essays
Key Concepts
Original sin
Mary as intercessor
contraposition of Eve and Mary
spiritual rescue
Questions to Reflect On
- How does obedience transform personal failure into redemption?
- In what ways does this contrast inform contemporary views on gender roles?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex theological concepts and ignore broader scriptural contexts
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