„Niewiasta obleczona w słońce” (Ap 12, 1) w interpretacji dominikanów XIII wieku

Abstract

The analysis of the Dominican writings of 13th century allowed to formulate the following conclusions. The interpretation of the text Rev 12:1 in the Dominican preaching is richer than previously thought. Apart from the ecclesiological and Marian perspectives they reveal a new way of interpretation: the symbol of the apocalyptic woman clothed with the sun is referred to the saints. It is also necessary to point out a wide range of meanings attributed to the image, the object of our analysis. The symbols of sun and moon had been read in light of the antithesis of the passing of time and eternity or of the other antithetical parallel: Christ and the Church. Reflected in this perspective, Mary has been shown not only in the mystery of the Assumption, but also as a mediatrix interceding for the people of God at the side of his Son. The bright robe, with which was clothed the apocalyptic woman, revealed either glorious body of Mary, either her whole person (the soul and body), participating in God’s glory. While the crown of twelve stars refers not only to the legions of angels and saints that surround Mary, but also to the spiritual virtues and the gifts that characterize the figure of Our Lady. Finally, it is necessary to add an unusual interpretation of the image of woman clothed with the sun in the light of the mystery of the Incarnation. The analysis of the sermons allowed us to discover a wide spectrum of the interpretation of the text Rev 12:1 by the thirteenth century Dominicans. Their sermons are witnesses of excellent theological and practical preparation of the medieval preachers.