Mary’s State of Life
Mary’s state of life takes place completely within Christ’s state of life, as illustrated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Mary encounters her Christian life after the acceptance of God’s will through the angel’s message. By indicating that, “yes be it done to me according to your word,” Mary integrates her state of life into the salvific objectives of Christ (Lesson 3). Upon Christ nativity, she becomes a deliverer of God’s mysteries and transforms her life as a believer of God through Jesus Christ. Accordingly, Mary becomes the first Christian through the life of Christ and implementing his mission during his life, death, and resurrection. Therefore, within Christ’s state of life, Mary’s life transpires by being a significant part of His mysteries (Lesson 3). Since she accepted to live a quiet and hidden life with Joseph, Mary’s state of life remains united with Christ’s mission as a human mother who takes care of Christ’s limited human form (Lesson 3). Mary provided a platform for Christ’s redemptive journey by offering her life to facilitate the death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven through parenting roles. Therefore, Mary’s state of life exists in Christ’s state as the mother of the church and a disciple as other believers until the triumphant return of Christ.
The Spiritual Contribution of Saints Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine
Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, and Saint Augustine have contributed significantly to Catholic spirituality. Their contribution is based on their literary skills and exposure to advance the teachings and practices of faith. For instance, Ambrose, after an appointment as bishop while still a catechumen, supported the church during turmoil. Additionally, he played a critical role during the Arian controversy and defended the church in political challenges in the empire (Healey 65). As a literary scholar, Ambrose published several works, pastoral advice, homilies, and his famous works “De officiis ministrorum,” which was based on Christian moral expectations (Healey 66). Such works have transformed Catholic spirituality
Jerome offered his literary work for the church in areas, such as Bible translation. Although controversies characterized Jerome’s life, he dedicated his life through various ministries, including serving as a secretary of the pope of Damascus (Healey 68). Some of the contributions made through such publications included teachings on the perpetual virginity and the efficacy of the sacrament of baptism, which countered heretics and led to the excommunication of Jovinian and his followers (Healey 70). The teaching, life, and his publications are significant in Catholic spirituality.
St. Augustine was a great philosopher, poet, theologian, orator, and pastor. He made various publications and supported the church as an ordained priest and bishop of Hippo (Healey 75). He defended the church against the Donatists, Manicheans, and Pelagian and was proclaimed a bishop and doctor of the church. The three saints contributed through endurance and literary skills to promote teachings and enhance Christian values.
Saint Benedicts Spirituality
Saint Benedict made important contributions to Catholic spirituality. He had the power of prophecy and miracles, and hence, encouraged Christian to have faith in God. Notably, Saint Benedict influenced the writing of Pope Gregory. Coming from a wealthy life, he sacrificed to live in a cave for three years, involving himself in penance and prayers (Healey 85). Benedict’s life influenced spirituality, while his literary works and his Benedictines followership still exist to date. He formed several monasteries for monks and managed other congregations such as novice houses for women. His famous works “the rule for monks” enhanced spirituality of his followers and the entire church. The writings of St Benedicts have inspired spirituality in the church. Besides, they have been translated into various languages, including German (Marthaler et al. 251). The sidebar illustrates the role of St. Benedict’s rules as the principal guide for the Western monasticism (Sidebar). The “rule for monks” provides seventy-three chapters of doctrinal guide governing several monasteries. Saint Benedict life, works, and dogmas contribute to Catholic spirituality.
Works cited
Healey, Charles J. Christian Spirituality: An Introduction To The Heritage. St Paul’s, 1999.
Lesson 3 Study Notes.
Marthaler, Berard L., et al. New Catholic Encyclopedia. Thomson Gale, 2003.
Sidebar: Saint Benedict of Nursia
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