A Greek Orthodox priest recently told me that his personal title for Mary is “The Tip of the Spear.” He came up with this after meditating on the Akathist hymn, which is chanted in some of the Eastern churches on the five Fridays of Lent in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation. I thought it was odd that this priest has his own personal title for Mary, but I instantly loved it.
I tire of the way Mary is often described in popular culture: small, docile, almost like a porcelain doll. Sure Mary was small. Sure she was docile. But she definitely was not a porcelain doll.
Mary is “blessed among women” according to Scripture.
And the other two women who were referred to by this title?
Judith is “blessed among women” because she killed Holofernes, the general of King Nebuchadnezzar’s army by chopping off his head.
And Jael, who kills Sisera, is extolled by the prophetess Deborah because she killed the leader of the Canaanites by driving a tent peg through his skull.
In other words Mary is not a weak shrinking violet. She is a warriorMary—a warrior against evil. Mary is the model of femininity and feminine strength.
So Mary, as “Tip of the Spear,” seems like a beautiful title for her: so surprising yet so fitting.
Mary is not sick with sin like the rest of us. She is vigorous, sharp, full of energy—feminine and divine energy.
Mary is truly the Righteous Warrior.
Mary is a blade with the two edges of maternity and virginity.
Mary is the tip of a lance, the Lance of Christ, thrown by God to fight the evils of the world.
It is her “yes” that released the Spear of Salvation into the world. Her “yes” allowed her Son to die for us, to be pierced for us.
Her warrior call of “yes” preceded the King’s entrance into the gates of a city held captive by sin.
Prayer: Beautiful, beloved Mary, Tip of the Spear, picture of health and model of the human ideal, introduce me to your Son. Pierce my heart with his love and his saving grace. Let your warrior call, your fiat, fill me with courage and fortitude to face the evil in this world. Throw the lance of your Son into my heart so that I may become more like him.
Listen and Reflect: A beautiful Marian hymn sung by the Daughters of St. Paul choir is “,” which lists several titles for Mary and speaks of the intimate relationship between Mary and Jesus.
Journal: What is my favorite title for Mary? If I were to create a title for Mary based on Scripture or tradition, what would your title be?
Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, is the author of The Prodigal You Love: Inviting Loved Ones Back to the Church. She recently pronounced her first vows with the Daughters of Saint Paul. She blogs at Pursued by Truth.
And today we celebrate...