Sin and health, pain and salvation

The relationship between sin and health spans the entire history of salvation. Understanding sin and health from a Marian perspective means rediscovering Mary as the healing mother, whose intercession unites the forgiveness of sins with the holistic health of the person.

A Tradição e a Mediação de Maria

Have you heard that someone went through a situation of suffering due to their sins or that the life of the Christian is eternal suffering? This second part of our journey aims to present Mary with an image deduced from the ecclesiastical Tradition, not directly mentioned in Scripture. The state of health of Mary and Christ is not referred by the hagiographers of the New Testament, who focused on transmitting the historical-salvific announcement. However, throughout the centuries, the Church has recognized Mary as causa salutis (root of salvation) and mater salutis (Mother of Salvation).

According to Irenaeus of Lyon (2nd century), Mary is the root of the work of universal health, effectively collaborating in salvation as complete liberation that regenerates life, leading man to the situation of paradise. This vision is reinforced by Saint Maximus the Confessor, who describes miracles and healings performed by Mary during her life and after her glorification.

Maria como Saúde dos Enfermos

In the Christian West, Mary is recognized as salus infirmorum (health of the sick), a title popularized by the Litany of Loreto. The Church acknowledges Mary’s activity as a healer, both on earth and in heaven, where she intercedes for the faithful and participates in God’s way of bringing healing and salvation.

The two-thousand-year experience of Christianity attests that Mary is alive and active in the Church, assisting both physically and spiritually afflicted individuals. Her enduring motherhood provides comfort and hope, making her a central figure in the spiritual lives of Christians.

Conclusão: Maria, a Mediação da Salvação

In summary, sin and health find in Mary a profound Christian interpretation. She is gratia sanitatum (source of healing), mediating Christ’s mercy and offering her powerful intercession. Deepening the understanding of Mary as mother of the Church and source of salvation is essential for the spiritual life of Christians.

Leia mais sobre Maria como mãe da Igreja na Encíclica Christi Matri do Papa Paulo VI.