"First disciple of the her beloved Son"?
What happened to "Mother of God"? Too offensive to the Muslims and Protestants?
Mary is called by many beautiful names. I have not heard this one before, but I think it is lovely, as well, and quite suitable for this dedication. Just my opinion.
"First disciple of the her beloved Son"? What happened to "Mother of God"? Too offensive to the Muslims and Protestants?
Honestly, I didn't take it that way. Listening and contemplating, Our Lady was the first to know of the coming of the Messiah! She felt His Heart beat within her; heard His first cries and contented cooing; heard Him speak His first Words, and lived with Him for 30 years. Would she not then have been His first disciple? Can we in our daily lives imitate her in prayer and in going to Mass, Adoration, Benediction, prayer groups-to be with her Son and contemplate His existence and his message, and ponder It in our hearts? To one in formation on the Consecrated life, she is the ideal example to follow in that learning process, and one to turn to when things can get a little confusing...
That's my take on it. The Catholics to whom he was speaking all know Mary is the Mother of God, but I never stopped to think of her in the humble role of disciple much before...
God bless you, and give you a blessed 2015!