Originally posted by Fr Kimel:
Thank you. Any possibility that you might be able to provide a citation or two? I'd really appreciate it. TIA
The SVS book was published in 1999.
Here is the info:
Jacob of Serug
Mary Hansbury, translator
ON THE MOTHER OF GOD
Jacob, "flute of the Holy Spirit and harp of the faithful church," had a great love of the Mother of God. In this volume four homilies have been chosen from the Syriac texts.
ISBN 0-88141-184-1 106 pp UK �8.99 US $9.95
Cf.
http://www.svots.edu/SVS-Press/svsbooks/books_by_subject/subject_patristics.html A few quotes:
"She said to him: "How will this be as you say,
since I am a virgin and there is no fruit of virgins?"
In that moment it was very necessary to question,
so that the mystery of the Son dwelling in her might
be explained to her.
Mary inquired in order that we might learn from the
angel concerning that conception which is a
sublime matter beyond understanding.
Behold how most fair is Mary to the one who beholds
her, and how loveable these things of hers to the
ones who are capable of discerning.
This one inquires that she might learn from him about
her conception,
because it was hers and for the profit of the ones who listen to her."
One more ...
"Eve had not questioned the serpent when he led her
astray, she who by her will kept silent and firmly
believed the treachery.
The latter maiden heard truth from the faithful one,
nevertheless in this way she had sought out an explanation.
The former heard of becoming a goddess from a tree,
but she did not say: "How will what you mention
ever happen?"
The Watcher told this one that she would conceive the
Son of God, but she did not accept it until she was
well informed.
That she in her person would ascend to the divine
rank, the virgin wife of Adam did not doubt the liar."
Sorry for not having the quote about the ear available ...
Also see St. Ephrem, another Syrian, in his "Harp of the Spirit":
"Just as the bush on Horeb bore
God in the flame,
so did Mary bear Christ in her virginity.
Perfectly God,
he entered the womb through the ear;
in all purity the God-Man
came forth from the womb into Creation."
The Hebrews believed that the ear was the gateway to the soul.
Besides other ancient understandings of how Mary conceived, we have to note that we are dealing with the Word (logos) of God; and "words" are heard via the ear.
Joe
