Mary our Advocate

I will send you another Advocate: The text refers primarily to the Holy Spirit, but it is applied to Mary as the Bride of the Spirit and the intercessor with the Lord on our behalf. Like the role of a Barrister who pleads one’s cause before the judge and jury, the most ancient title for Mary is that of Advocate. St. Irenaeus-the first half 2nd century writes: Whereas Eve had disobeyed God, Mary was persuaded to obey God, that the Virgin Mary might become advocate of the virgin Eve."

This role is foreshadowed in the OT. The mother of the king the Gebirah, literally, Great Lady held the exalted office of Queen Mother. Because the kings of Israel normally had numerous wives, the mother of the king was chosen to be the queen. The Gebirah or First Lady of the realm assisted the king in ruling the kingdom. The office and authority of the queen mother in her close relationship to the king made her the strongest advocate to the King the prime intercessor. No one had more intercessory power than the queen mother, who had her own throne at his right side. She it was, who enjoyed the role of choosing the successor to the king, so that this was no mere honorary title. It was one of authority and immense power.

Observe the response of King Solomon (who had 700 wives,) to his mother Bathsheba: The king bowed down to her and had a seat brought for her. She sat on his right. He said to her, Ask anything you wish. I will deny you nothing”1 Kings 2: 19-20) What encouragement for us, to know that the Lord of Heaven speaks such words to the Mary our Advocate. Let us claim them ourselves and on behalf of those for whom we intercede.

At the Annunciation Mary is becomes the new Gebirah, the Mother of the King of kings. She is to be the Advocate with the him who takes possession of the Kingdom of his father David.

At the Visitation, Elizabeth cried out Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me. Lk. 1:44 .The title, Mother of my Lord, the court language of the ancient is fulfilled in Mary.

The 12th century Hail Holy Queen contains the words: Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us. It is the task of Mary, Advocate for the People of God, to implore the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, at times of special need. Since Mary's role as Advocate is inseparable from the divine action of the Spirit, it will be the Spirit and the Bride who will jointly prepare the world for the glorious return of Christ the King