The Land Shall Be Espoused
We couldn't ask for a better selection of readings to demonstrate how "spousal theology" helps Scripture "pop." Keep in mind that "land"/"earth" and "creation" in Scripture symbolize the "Bride" (Israel / Church). "Your land shall be espoused," says Isaiah (62:4). Now reread these passages from yesterday: "Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down … making [the earth] fertile … so shall my word be"; The Lord has "prepared the land: drenching its furrows … blessing its yield"; "We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains … we also groan within ourselves as we wait for … the redemption of our bodies"; "Some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit…" Oh! Do you see the "spousal mystery"? Creation is "giving birth" (groaning in labor pains) because the Creator-Bridegroom has given his "immortal seed" (see 1 Pt 1:23) to his creation-bride. And all is fulfilled in Mary! She's the "good soil" that received heaven's "seed," heaven's "rain," heaven's "word." Mary is the apex of all created fertility! Every seed that falls in the ground and blossoms into life points to the Annunciation. Mary, teach us how to be "good soil" that remains ever open to God's seed!
