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Mary for Today

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Hans Urs von Balthasar merits the acclaim of those who view him as the greatest theologian of the twentieth century because he exhibits the quintessential combination of the great theologian: depth of traditional devotion combined with intellectual brilliance seasoned with common sense. In this small book, he shows us the crucial role of Mary for all Christians as the one who defines what the Church is and the one who directs us to Jesus. For Christians to understand their circumstances as individuals and as Church, Mary is essential as the model of the first disciple. Balthasar captures her singular role when he quotes her words in the Gospel: "'Do whatever he tells you.' Perhaps nowhere is Mary's whole cast of mind more present than in this saying" (p. 63). All Christians should listen.

In his book Mary for Today, von Balthasar describes Mary's status and relevance in the Catholic Church by gathering quotes from scripture and theological tradition. Mary is referred to in both prophecies and figures in the Old and New Testaments. Mary is a very important icon of the Catholic Church. She is regarded as one of the most important beings in the Catholic Church. She represents motherhood, marriage, faith, mercy, purity, and has been venerated for many centuries. She is known as the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of God. Mary is special because she is a human person who is chosen by God to bear his son. She represents the perfection and elevation of a human being by grace.