707 the third word the moon instead of a footstool, possessing great wings — the most pious writer, Bernadino de Busti42 wants us to see none other than the Virgin Mother of God, the special Patroness and Advocate of the just but also of the much more numerous sinners. So, he thus explains this vision of John: “The Blessed Virgin protects us under her wings and shields us from ambush. She is the Woman to whom were given the great wings. One is the wing of mercy, under which sinners take refuge, so that they can be reconciled with God. The second is the wing of grace, under which the just stand, so that they might persevere in grace.”43 But why is the first wing intended for protecting sinners, and only the other one for the just? Perhaps for this reason: Because the just can easily obtain the grace of God for themselves, since they are nearly always in the state of grace. On the other hand, through sin, sinners became enemies of God; so how then can their prayers be efficacious, if God does not listen to sinners?44 This task was thus entrusted to the Blessed Virgin, so she would more frequently and more fervently intercede before God and her most beloved Son, practically for sinners only. Therefore, St. Germanus,45 Patriarch of Constantinople, referencing this matter with great devotion, says: “With your Son, you enjoy the confidence and influence of a Mother, but we are condemned and do not dare to gaze upon the vastness of Heaven. By your intercession and advocacy, therefore, you make us members of the household of God. You grant salvation, and you free us from eternal punishment.”46 42 Cf. Di Fonzo, Lorenzo, Bernardino de’ Bustis, in: ECat II, 1405-1406, where we read that he was a renowned Franciscan preacher, and that he published a work on Our Lady called Mariale de singulis festivitatibus B.V.M., which was composed in 1492. 43 Cf. Bernardinus de Busti, Mariale, Pars XI, Sermo II. 44 Cf. Jn 9:31; Is 1:15; Prov 15:29. 45 Cf. Ortiz De Urbina, Ignazio, Germano I, patriarca di Constantinopoli, santo († 733), in: ECat VI, 179-180. 46 Cf. Germanus, Homiliae de S. Virginis Deiparae Mysteriis, IX: In S. Mariae Zonam, PG 98, 379-382.
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