Mary, Morning Star, Mary: Day 167

Mary, Morning Star

Blessed John Henry Newman considers why a star—and in particular, the morning star—is such a fitting symbol of Mary.

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 (Mystical Rose) and the Stella Matutina (Morning Star). 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 lower world. No change, no violence from fire, water, earth, or air, affects the stars above; and they show themselves, ever bright and marvelous, in all regions of this globe, and to all the tribes of men.

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 forever, 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.
Finally, 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 Redeemer and ours, and she glorifies him. When she appears in the darkness, we know that he is close at hand. —Blessed John Henry Newman, Meditations and Devotions

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .
The morning star is not only a herald of the sun; it’s actually a planet that shines, not with its own light, but the light of that same sun, reflected. Today, are there situations in which I can imitate Mary by pointing to Jesus and reflecting his light?

CLOSING PRAYER
If “the heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Ps 19:1), how much more, my Lady, do you declare his glory, bright Morning Star who shines down from heaven!

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