(8) May 31
Mary is the "Stella Matutina," the Morning Star—after the Dark Night,
but always Heralding the Sun
WHAT is the nearest approach in the way of symbols, in this
world of sight and sense, to represent to us the glories of that higher world
which is beyond our bodily perceptions? What are the truest tokens and promises
here, poor though they may be, of what one day we hope to see hereafter, as
being beautiful and rare? Whatever they may be, surely the Blessed Mother of
God may claim them as her own. And so it is; two of them are ascribed to her as
her titles, in her Litany—the stars above, and flowers below. She is at once
the Rosa Mystica and the Stella Matutina.
And of these two, both of them well suited to her, the
Morning Star becomes her best, and that for three reasons.
First, the rose belongs to this earth, but the star is
placed in high heaven. Mary now has no part in this nether world. No change, no
violence from fire, water, earth, or air, affects the stars above; and they
show themselves, ever bright and marvellous, in all regions of this globe, and
to all the tribes of men.
And next, the rose has but a short life; its decay is as
sure as it was graceful and fragrant in its noon. But Mary, like the stars,
abides for ever, as lustrous now as she was on the day of her Assumption; as
pure and perfect, when her Son comes to judgment, as she is now.
Lastly, it is Mary's prerogative to be the Morning Star,
which heralds in the sun. She does not shine for herself, or from herself, but
she is the reflection of her and our Redeemer, and she glorifies Him. When she
appears in the darkness, we know that He is close at hand. He is Alpha and
Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Behold He comes
quickly, and His reward is with Him, to render to everyone according to his
works. "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
