Most Pure
From early centuries, the Virgin Mary has been honored under the venerable title of Most Pure. This virtue captures the essence of her supreme virtue, her Immaculate Conception and sinless perfection that uniquely equipped her holy flesh to carry the Word Incarnate.
In Luke's gospel, Gabriel hails her as “full of grace” indicating a fullness of righteousness granted from the first instant of conception. As such, Mary stands unparalleled in human history as created anew in wondrous purity befitting an immaculate bridge between fallen mankind and redemptive divinity.
Mary's physical purity is equally remarkable. She retained her virginity before, during, and after the birth of Jesus—a testament to her unwavering devotion and commitment to chastity. Her consecration to God symbolizes complete dedication, portraying her as the vessel through which the Son of God entered the world.
Beyond her physical state, Mary's purity extends to her thoughts, desires, and intentions, consistently directed toward God. Her heart, untouched by worldly desires, pride, or selfishness, enabled her to fully surrender to God's plan, embracing her role as the Mother of Jesus with humility and obedience.
As the "Most Pure," Mary emanates a spiritual beauty derived from her inner purity. She exemplifies virtues such as selflessness, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her purity empowers her to face life's challenges and sorrows with grace and fortitude.
Mary's purity encourages introspection, urging us to strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions. Her example underscores the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against impurity, fostering a deep relationship with God.
Artistic depictions such as the Virgin of the Lilies highlight her blameless innocence associated with floral and light symbolism. As Romanos the Melode wrote in early hymns - Mary is “all pure beyond compare, she that is higher than the heavens and more glorious than the cherubim.” Early fathers like John Chrysostom called her the undefiled treasure-house of virginity reflecting how generations have glimpsed heaven's untainted radiance alive in Most Pure Mary whose stainless heart, mind and body shone as sacred tabernacle prepared for the Most High.
Through Mary's intercession, we can seek the grace to grow in purity and overcome the temptations and challenges that threaten our spiritual well-being. Emulating her purity enables us to forge a closer union with God, experiencing the peace and joy that arise from aligning our lives with His will.
Scriptural References for Most Pure (Mt 1:18, 20, 23; Lk 1:24,34)
Matthew
18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”which means “God is with us.”
Luke
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said,
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”