Mary exceeds the angels in fullness of grace, Mary: Day 197

Mary exceeds the angels in fullness of grace

St. Thomas Aquinas explores the ways in which Mary is truly “full of grace,” as the angel declared.

The Blessed Virgin exceeded the angels in fullness of grace. It was to indi- cate this that the angel showed her reverence, saying, “full of grace,” as if to say, “I will show you reverence because you excel me in the fullness of grace.”

He says that the Blessed Virgin is full of grace with respect to three things. First, with respect to her soul, which has every fullness of grace. For the grace of God is given for two reasons, namely, in order to act well, and to avoid evil. And with respect to these two, the Blessed Virgin had most perfect grace. For more than any other holy person save Christ alone, she avoided all sin. The Blessed Virgin is also an example of all virtues. So she is full of grace both with respect to actions and with respect to the avoidance of evil.

Second, she was full of grace with respect to the overflow of soul to flesh or body. For it is a great thing for the saints to have enough grace to sanctify their soul; but the soul of the Blessed Virgin was so full that from it grace flowed into her body, in order that with it she might conceive the son of God.

Third, she was full of grace with respect to grace’s distribution to all men. For it is a great thing in any saint that he has so much grace that it is enough for the salvation of many. But when enough is had for the salvation of all the men in the world, this is the greatest, and so it is with Christ and with the Blessed Virgin. She is full of grace, then, and exceeds the angels in fullness of grace. —St. Thomas Aquinas, “On the Angelic Salutation”

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
If Our Lady is truly “full of grace,” why do I sometimes hesitate to approach her for a share in that grace?

CLOSING PRAYER
From a prayer of St. Germanus: Who could know God, if it were not for you, most holy Mary? Who could be saved? Who would be preserved from dangers? Who would receive any grace, if it were not for you, Mother of God, full of grace?

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