Defender of the Immaculate Conception: Bl. John Duns Scotus

On Christmas night, 1299, Bl. Scutus was immersed in contemplation of the Incarnation when Our Lady appeared to him with the Child Jesus, who kissed and embraced him. This perhaps was the inspiration for his ardent defense of the absolute primacy of Christ and of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

By Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC

Blessed John Duns Scotus (feast day: Nov. 8) was born in 1266 in “Duns,” a town in Scotland near Edinburgh. Pope St. John Paul II — who beatified him on March 20, 1993 — called him the “Minstrel of the Word Incarnate” and “Defender of Mary’s Immaculate Conception.” 

Known as the “Subtle Doctor” even in his own time, this Franciscan friar had a keen capacity to unravel any knotty issue. His manner of describing God, the angels, and Heaven hinted that he had tasted and experienced these realities for himself. 

Indeed, at Oxford on Christmas night, 1299, he was immersed in contemplation of the Incarnation when Our Lady appeared to him with the Child Jesus, who kissed and embraced him. This perhaps was the inspiration for his ardent defense of the absolute primacy of Christ and of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Theology guides practice
For some, these theological terms might seem to have no bearing on daily, human life. However, Bl. Scotus’ thought on these two essential dogmas of our faith shed a ray of beauty that opens new horizons for our hearts to know the love of God. He believed that the reason for the Incarnation was not the fall of Adam and Eve (what we call “original sin”). 

Rather, from all eternity, the Father’s plan was to create a world where Christ — the Incarnate Word — would be its crown and summit. Sin meant that the Incarnation ended in the Paschal Mystery — of death and Resurrection.

If that is true, then Mary Immaculate was also decreed from eternity, independent of original sin. But because she, too, is a daughter of Eve, then she must be redeemed. But because the Father desired to provide the best for His Son, He chose to redeem her perfectly. 

Blessed Scotus — who had to defend his position on the Immaculate Conception in Paris before two papal legates — explained:

The Perfect Redeemer must in some case have done the work of redemption most perfectly, which would not be, unless there is some person, at least, in whose regard, the wrath of God was anticipated and not merely appeased.

If Christ’s redemption is perfect, then there must be a perfect fruit, which is Mary Immaculate. She was redeemed because she was prevented from contracting original sin rather than being washed clean afterward.

Unique logic
But how does this change our daily life as Catholics? 

Blessed Scotus’ view emphasizes how God is not primarily reacting to our sin, as if His plan was determined by our fall. Rather, the Father pursues His original plan, manifesting that at the core of our life — both the inner life of God and our human life — is love. Even more, God is not interested in dry logic as to what He must do. He acts according to His good pleasure, following what brings Him delight, above and beyond repairing the effects of evil.

There is a Latin phrase that summarizes Bl. Scotus’ unique “logic” on this: Potuit, decuit, ergo fecit. God was able; it was fitting; therefore, God did it. 

The Father did not have to create anything or anyone; He did not have to redeem us; He did not have to make Mary Immaculate; the Word did not have to become Incarnate. But since God is loving, all of these things are quite fitting, for they reveal the depths of His fatherly love for us.

Abundant generosity
In our technological age of information, we often focus upon what is logical and even mathematical. We want proofs and solid reasons as if that would provide security for our fearful hearts. But Bl. Scotus turns our gaze elsewhere: the Father acts freely from an abundant generosity of love. His actions are marked by extravagance, which is revealed fully in Mary Immaculate. 

As a daughter trusts in her loving father — that he would certainly offer her a hug when needed — so we, too, are invited to have this “logic of filial affection” of Bl. Scotus. Perhaps we can ask Bl. Scotus for prayers, not only for increased devotion to the Immaculata, but for the ability to have this filial logic, a deeper trust in God’s goodness.

Blessed Jon Duns Scotus, pray for us!
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BELH

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