Θεοτοκος ἐν Λειτουργιᾳ
(Meditating Holy Theotokos through the Divine Liturgy)
English translation -
Prophet Moses saw a fire, which rested on a bush and it was not burned by the flames. Like that bush the virgin was not burned by the flame of the Son of God who dwelt in her.
(Kolo, Sheema Namaskaram, Saturday Evening)
Hymn-
Mullumarathe dahippikkath-athileriyum thee
shailathil kandaan- darshakanaam mosha
Puthraagniyil eriyatholam- kanyakayakum
Mariyamin- drushtantham thaan ee drushyam
"Puthraagniyil eriyatholam"
(One who was not burnt by the flame of the Son of God)
The account of burning bush in Exodus 3:2 prefigured Mary the God-bearer. As like the bush which was on fire, didn't get burn, Mary who bore God, was not burnt by the Divine flames. Two basic characteristics of fire are "to consume" and "to purify". There wasn't any evil in Mary to be consumed by the Divine flame! As we observe the Shunoyo Lent of St. Mary, let us imbibe her life of purity. So as to regain and enhance our distorted spiritual image, we need to bear the flames of Son of God in our life. It is only through constantly being in this flame, our wickedness get consumed and our purity retains. Thus, in a sense, St. Mary is the figurative symbolism of human before fall. Because, in Eden, the human created were partaking in the glory (Shekinah) of Lord! But as soon as they sinned, they lost the Shekinah. Later, God in His mercy, incarnated and offered His Body and Blood. In the Divine Eucharist, before dispensing the Holy Mysteries, the priest says thus- "nammude daivamaaya mashihayude shareera rakthangal aagunna paapapariharapradamaya theekatta...sathya vishwasikalk nalkapedunnu." So, to experience the intrinsic pureness as the "image bearers" of the Lord, we need to receive/bear the fire of consummation. This consummation initiates with the sacrament of Confession and fulfils through receiving the Holy Mysteries. May the intercession of most holy St. Mary help us to receive the flame of Son of God in our life and we may not be burnt or destroyed, rather be purified! May God bless us.
Prayers and Regards : Dn. Jipson Thomas