Mystical Rose

One of my favorite titles of our Lady is the Mystical Rose. She has so many lovely and fitting titles but this one has just stuck with me. The image of rose calls to mind her beauty, not flashy and calling attention to itself, but gentle and subtle until one notices and wonders how they over looked such beauty. The rose is simple and delicate, like our Lady, but is also has strength because of the thorns. Mary never claimed any strength in herself but humbly surrendered to the great strength and power God chose to display through her while on earth and then grant to her as the Queen of Heaven and Mediatrix of All Graces. The word 'mystical' makes me think of her intimate relationship with the Trinity as Mother of God and Spouse of the Holy Spirit. I also especially connect this title with her purity, chastity and total selfless surrender to our God; the rose does not make itself beautiful, rather, it is cared for by the gardener just as Mary who allowed herself to be wholly shaped by our Lord and in doing so returned all the glory to the One who made her so.