The soul of Mary
The soul of Mary in the New Testament is not explicitly discussed in philosophical or theological terms, but her inner life, faith, and spiritual depth are revealed through key moments in Scripture. The New Testament presents Mary as a model of faith, obedience, and contemplation, offering glimpses into her soul through her words, actions, and responses to God’s will.
1. Mary’s Soul as a Dwelling Place of God (Luke 1:46-55)
One of the most profound insights into Mary’s soul comes from the Magnificat(Luke 1:46-55), her great hymn of praise after the Annunciation. She proclaims:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”(Luke 1:46-47)
Here, Mary reveals that her soul is deeply united with God, overflowing with joy, humility, and praise. Her soul “magnifies” the Lord, showing that her entire being is oriented toward Him, making God’s presence more visible in the world.
2. A Soul of Contemplation and Interior Reflection (Luke 2:19, 2:51)
Mary is often depicted as a woman of deep interior reflection. After the visit of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth, Scripture tells us:
“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”(Luke 2:19)
Similarly, after finding Jesus in the Temple, we read:
“His mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
These passages show that Mary had a contemplative soul, one that reflected deeply on the mysteries of God. She did not react impulsively but meditated, sought understanding, and surrendered to divine wisdom.
3. A Soul That Experiences Suffering and Union with Christ (Luke 2:34-35)
At the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Simeon prophesies to Mary:
“And you yourself a sword will pierce, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:35)
This prophecy indicates that Mary’s soul will experience deep sorrow and suffering. Her union with Christ is not just one of motherhood but also one of redemptive suffering. This foreshadows her presence at the foot of the Cross, where her soul fully embraces the suffering of her Son.
4. A Soul That Submits to God’s Will (Luke 1:38)
At the Annunciation, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel with her famous fiat:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
This response reveals a soul that is fully surrendered to God’s will. Her faith and trust in God allow her to embrace His plan, even without fully understanding it.
5. Mary’s Presence at Pentecost: A Soul Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14)
After Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension, Mary is present with the apostles at Pentecost:
“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:14)
This shows that Mary’s soul remained deeply united with Christ and His Church. She, who was filled with the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation, now prays for the coming of the Spirit upon the Church.
Theological Reflection on Mary’s Soul
From these passages, we can see that the New Testament presents Mary’s soul as:
- Magnifying God (praise and thanksgiving)
- Contemplative and interiorly reflective (pondering and treasuring divine mysteries)
- Suffering in union with Christ (a pierced heart)
- Obedient and surrendered (fiat, trust in God’s plan)
- Spirit-filled and intercessory (praying at Pentecost)
Mary’s soul is often seen in Catholic theology as the model of the perfect disciple—completely open to God’s grace, deeply united with Christ, and fully surrendered to divine will. Her example invites believers to cultivate similar dispositions in their own spiritual journeys.
