Mary
Many portraits have been printed
of Mary, by many artists, each painting her according to his own idea. There
can, however, be only one true likeness of her;: namely, a copy of her character
is shown forth in the Gospels, the account of which forms a portrait drawn,
if we venture to say so, by the Holy Spirit Himself. And what is the
character set thus before us in Scripture? It is neither Mary's high
intercourse with God nor her great and special graces, nor her power. All
these are kept in the background. What is brought before us is simply
her ordinary every-day virtues that she may be a model for daily familiar
use. Now, the essence of Mary's character as thus displayed, is her
modesty and self-restraint. She never thinks of showing herself, though
she was doubtless beautiful; nor of decking herself, though young; nor
of exalting herself, though noble; nor of enriching herself, though poor.
Thoughtful and prudent, modest, self-restrained, humble and unselfish is this Mary of whom I repeat that we can never be her clients if we are not her followers J.B. Bossuet (1627-1704) |
Madonna & Child
Mount Saviour Collection |