Words that generate flashes of emotion and quick-fired responses. It is vitally important that we reverently approach the still center that has always been one of wonder and profound questioning. Thus we destroy the impression that ecclesial debates reported and commented on by the news are solely defensive patriarchal or medieval absolutist postures by individuals in the Church's body versus those more politically astute. This article intends to briefly explore this center of awe and wonder. Such reflection anchors us in a transcendence stronger than the pull of personal agenda and opinion.
Anchors are important, they provide stability in a storm.
In this period of the Church's living history, reflection is deepening our understanding of what it is to be Church. We have become more aware of the potential we all have to distort our essential Marian image. In this mystery, woman assumes a pre-eminence and potency never so fully conscious in the Church before. Beginning with Vatican II, even before the prominence gained by the feminist movement in the 70's, the Church had already embodied in the feminine Marian whole, her own essential mystery. In Mary, the Church existed before even a single apostle had heard the Messiah's voice.