Cross of Death, Tree of Life (2)

“In order to have a clear understanding of redemption, we need to be familiar with its foreshadowing in the Old Testament. The first woman stood beneath the branches of the tree knowing that the fruit of her womb would inherit turmoil and death; the second woman stands beneath the arms of the cross knowing that the fruit of her womb would bring all people to peace and the fullness of life. The first was seduced by the serpent; the second placed herself at the service of God and gave birth to the one who would crush the serpent’s head.

…Mary becomes the portal, the gateway to the eternal kingdom, through whom the King of kings and Master of the Universe will again come into His garden and walk among His creatures.”
~Jerome Machar