 |
| "at present we see indistinctly as in a mirror, but then face to face" 1 Corinthians 13:1 |
Mirror of Justice
The various symbolic meanings of the mirror highlight: (1) purity of the soul, (2) self-knowledge and moral integrity, as well as (3) its ability to reflect reality. Mary's soul is holy and pure. She reflects the Sun of Justice, meaning God's perfection and holiness. She is the mirror without blemish of God's majesty (Wisdom 7:6). The Sun of Justice is reflected in the image of Mother and Child. The angel with balance and sword, usually a symbol of justice, signifies God's perfection. There is a second and oval mirror whose surface is tainted and marred. In it, three shadowy silhouettes can be barely perceived, featuring Adam or sinful humanity between Good and Evil, that is Satan, beckoning and tempting, and the guardian angel watching over his protégé.
This mirror does not reflect light and perfection but darkness and sin, or at least the blurred human vision of God and eternity.
Thus Paul reminds us that "at present we see indistinctly as in a mirror, but then face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
 |
| Fresco of Melchior Steidl in the church of Schönenberg |
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment