The Mother of God has gifted us with an inner union with God
I would like to briefly point out the great benefit that comes from expanding our image of God, which we discussed, namely: our wounded society can thus find healing. The concept of God we have outlined undoubtedly leads people out of their isolation and shows them that their life is not independent.
This vision of God not only connects individuals with God Himself but also, in God, through God, and with God, sees individuals unified with all other people. From this perspective, society has its foundation in the most profound unity of God with everything that exists. Acknowledging mutual dependence is one of the first conditions for rebuilding the broken order.
What image of God can bear richer fruit than one that corresponds to our times? Such a concept of God weakens communist delusions in two ways. First, it shows us that nature, even that which is strong and effectively influences society, is not independent but realizes intentions that God has placed in it as guidelines. Second, it leads us from much deeper and clearer reasons to a new, more fruitful "communism" by uniting people and showing them that they are connected by God and mutually gifted to one another.
However, history warns us that we must not proclaim and spread the image of God too one-sidedly. Let us briefly mention two dangers that can arise here.
Intuition, the perception of God, must not divert the spirit from seeking rational reasons. No alogisms (1), but sound reasoning and science must develop the image of God... If we do not emphasize this and develop the concept of God in a solid scientific manner, it will lack the power to inspire actions. Therefore, we rejoice that the concept of God is not only explored in spirituality but also studied more closely by philosophy and theology, and that it is explained and developed in harmony with what we know about God from reflection and revelation... For Catholic science, which seeks to serve true progress, it holds immeasurable value that so much attention is devoted to the image of God in our time and that questions of all kinds are not viewed separately from this reality. Unfortunately, this has happened too often and has caused individuals to lose the ability to "see" the object of their study deeply enough to encounter God and recognize and honor Him as God. This will not harm any science, but rather deeply enrich it and lead it from all analysis to synthesis.
The second danger that we must not underestimate is that a pragmatic interpretation of the concept of God can lead to superficiality. We have already witnessed in the history of spiritual life that one-sided practice in virtues led to a superficial spiritual life. Thus, we must be vigilant to ensure that we do not unconsciously slip back into it. Even though it is essential for our faith to manifest in action and lead to action, we must simultaneously remember that inner zeal is even more necessary. Action alone is insufficient if it is not consciously derived from the indwelling of God in our soul, if our actions are not motivated by the fact that God has commanded them to us deep within our being or has prompted us with His counsel. Only then does external action possess internal strength and become an expression of fully human life.
We love to live and speak in images and parables. We are grateful for examples and help. We lack a model for developing the correct concept of God.
Mary, the Mother of the Incarnate God, once gave us God as Immanuel. He died on the cross to unite us with God and fill us with His grace. Thus, through grace, He was also born in us. This happened so that our nature could once again reach what it had lost – unity with God, and that this union would be even more inward and intense (than before the fall). Thus, the Mother of God has gifted us with an inner union with God and has become its most perfect model.
Let us keep her always before our eyes. Mary is more than an example; she is called to orient our gaze toward God. In the Child in her arms, we recognize and honor God through revelation. May Mary show us God in everything He has created so that He may live in us as He did in her and be born anew into this world through our actions.
(1) Statements that contradict logic.
Taken from the book: Engagierte Mystik
Author: Titus Brandsma
Published by: Bonifatius-Verlag Paderborn, 1991
Translated and edited by: Norbert Žuška, OCarm.
