Another proof that the destiny of the Blessed Virgin is substantially the same with ours, is the fact that, in Scripture the same expressions are used to describe her glory and ours. Sometimes those who are not Catholics when they hear what high words we use of the Blessed Virgin, are scandalized; but we use almost no words of the Blessed Virgin that may not, in their measure, be applied to other Saints. It is true that the Blessed Virgin has some gifts and graces in which she stands alone—as her character of Mother of God, and her Immaculate Conception—but, as I said before, these are dignities and ornaments conferred on her, and are not the source of her essential happiness in Heaven. In other respects, her glory is shared by all the Saints. Thus, Mary is called "Queen of Heaven;" but are not all the blessed called in Holy Scripture, "kings and priests unto God?" [Footnote 94]
[Footnote 94: Apoc. i., 6.]
Is she said to sit at the "King's right hand?" and are not we too promised a place at his right hand, and to "sit on thrones?" [Footnote 95]
[Footnote 95: Apoc. iii., 21.]
Is she called the "Morning Star?" and does not St. Paul, speaking of all the Saints, say, "star differeth from star in glory." [Footnote 96]
[Footnote 96: 1 Cor. xv., 41.]
Is she called a "Mediatrix of Prayer?" and is it not said of every just man, that his "continual prayer availeth much?" [Footnote 97]
[Footnote 97: St. James v., 16.]
Is she called "The Spouse of God?" and does not the Almighty, addressing every faithful soul, say, "My love, my dove, my undefiled?" [Footnote 98]