Mary as the Mother in the Order of Grace?

In short, Eve is described as “the mother of all the living” in the natural order (Gen. 3:20). Similarly, the early Church Fathers viewed Mary as “the New Eve,” i.e., of God’s children in the supernatural order, the order of grace. For through her yes, in contrast to Eve’s no, came forth the Redeemer of the world.

We see this further illustrated in Revelation 12, as the dragon, who represents the devil, goes off “to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus” (Rev. 12:17). The author makes clear he’s referring to Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Rev. 12:13).

For further reading, please see our article on “Making Peace with the Mediatrix.”