This week we continue our series on Marian titles with Mary
as Tower of David, Tower of Ivory, House of Gold, and Ark of the Covenant. These particular titles all relate to Old
Testament symbolism.
Tower of David
The Tower of David formed an important part of Israel’s
defense, much as the Great Wall of China once did. Referring to Mary as the Tower of David
situates her as a defender of the faith.
Though that particular phrase only came into use later in the life of
the Church, we can see Mary as the very first defender of the faith. After all, without Mary, the mother of Jesus,
there would be no Catholic faith to begin with.
Tower of Ivory
This image of Mary as the Tower of Ivory is meant to recall
Song of Songs, where the same phrase is “used … to describe the beloved bride”
(source). As such, to me, it recalls another title of
Mary used earlier in the Litany of Loreto: Mother of the Church. Mary is both the mother of Jesus, and thereby
the Church, as well as the Bride of Christ in her devotion and dedication to
her son. However, the title of Tower of
Ivory is also meant to evoke Mary’s purity, holiness, and sanctity.
House of Gold
This title accorded to Mary is meant to place her in
contrast to a symbol of the early Roman world:
the emperor Nero’s “House of Gold,” which was a grand palace that lasted
only four years after it was constructed.
Mary is similarly highly esteemed, but she is a lasting symbol of the
power of the Church. The Magnificat
states, “From this day, all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke
1:48). Her status of honor will endure,
unlike temporary things.
Ark of the Covenant
This title of Mary likens her to the Ark of the Covenant,
which housed the Ten Commandments. Jesus
is the New Covenant God has made with humanity.
Therefore, since Mary carried Jesus in her womb, she is also an ark of
this New Covenant. Similar language is
used to describe what will happen to Mary when she conceives Jesus as is used
to describe the presence of God around the Old Testament Ark.
Next week: Mary as Gate
of Heaven, Morning Star, and Health of the Sick
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