- May 2, 2017
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Hi all, I recognize that my title isn't necessarily very appropriate. But I'm wondering if you guys can help me understand something, which I can only characterize as the above. Essentially, it's the idea that Jesus is stern, harsh, and unforgiving, but Mary is kind and loving and gets Jesus to change his mind (or sometimes goes against what Jesus says in order to be "nicer"). This type of attitude seems more in line with Catholicism, or at least in polemic arguments about Catholicism.
For example, here's the passage that is the specific catalyst to this thread, although I've read things like this at other times.
The "Otrada"--Consolation Icon (link), OrthoChristian.com
To put it bluntly, what's going on here? Why is Christ portrayed as stern and unforgiving, mean, trying to give the monks punishments, whereas St Mary is saying "no, no, let's be nice to them" in opposition to Christ's protests?
I'm not saying Christ isn't a firm judge - he certainly is. And if he chooses to allow some people to be punished and others not to be, then may this all be for our salvation: Lord have mercy!
Why is Christ "grim" and why does the Theotokos go against Christ? Or, perhaps more in line with the sentiment of the passage, why does Christ go against the Theotokos? How is this Orthodox, to show that Christ and his Mother are not in accord and are not united in their will?
For example, here's the passage that is the specific catalyst to this thread, although I've read things like this at other times.
The "Otrada"--Consolation Icon (link), OrthoChristian.com
In the year 807, a band of robbers decided to loot the monastery [of Vatopedi], but the Queen of Heaven warned the brethren of their intent. During the Morning Prayer Rule, the monastery Abbot heard a voice coming from the Icon and saying, “Do not open the monastery gates today. Instead, go to the top of the walls, and tell the bandits to disperse.” Gazing at the Icon, the abbot witnessed an amazing miracle: The Pre-eternal Infant, covering His Mother’s mouth with His hand, said, “No, My Mother, don’t tell them that. Let them be punished.” However, the Mother of God, leaning Her face toward Her Son, twice repeated the same warning. The abbot, overcome with terror, told the monastic brethren about the miracle, and they were all amazed to see that the icon had changed its appearance and overall form: The Most-Holy Virgin holds back Her Son, and Her face expresses compassionate love, and Her gaze is filled with meekness and mercy, while the Divine Infant’s face has a stern, grim expression.
To put it bluntly, what's going on here? Why is Christ portrayed as stern and unforgiving, mean, trying to give the monks punishments, whereas St Mary is saying "no, no, let's be nice to them" in opposition to Christ's protests?
I'm not saying Christ isn't a firm judge - he certainly is. And if he chooses to allow some people to be punished and others not to be, then may this all be for our salvation: Lord have mercy!
Why is Christ "grim" and why does the Theotokos go against Christ? Or, perhaps more in line with the sentiment of the passage, why does Christ go against the Theotokos? How is this Orthodox, to show that Christ and his Mother are not in accord and are not united in their will?