Jerusalem and Mary
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Jerusalem and Mary
Q: How does Mary relate to the Heavenly Jerusalem?
A: "City of God," "new Jerusalem," "holy city," etc. refers in the first place to the heavenly Jerusalem understood as the end time community of believers, the definitive communion of saints. In a related meaning this expression designates the Church, no longer the pilgrim Church but the triumphant Church because united eventually with its head, the resurrected Christ. Mary is considered the "eschatological icon" of the Church and thus frequently assimilated with the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the personified "heavenly Jerusalem" because she is united eternally with her Son in heaven. Her life is fulfilled; she is body and soul assumed into heaven and so embodies human expectations come to fruition once and for all.