The Irony of Prophets’ approaches-“The Inaugural Sermons”
Aquinas expounds, “The major prophets differ according to the different ways the prophets sought to lead the people to observance of the law, namely, cajoling by the promise of benefits, frightening with the threat of punishment, arguing by condemnation of sins. Although each of these is found in every prophet, Isaiah chiefly cajoles, as is said in Ecclesiasticus 48;27: ‘With a great spirit he saw the things that are to come to pass at last, and comforted the mourners in Sion.’ Jeremiah chiefly warns, hence Jeremiah 38.4: “He weakened the hands of the men of war that remain in this city.’ But Ezekiel argues and scolds. Ezekiel 16.3: ‘Thy father was an Amorrhite and their mother a Cethite."
Being God's messengers, the prophets would have been anticipated to relay messages uniformly. Their different approaches are ironic because their messages originate from a single source (God). The ironically divergent approaches are contributory to portraying the character of God which is too complicated for human beings to deconstruct. God employs various approaches, to ensure that human beings get His messages. Different approaches are required due to the diversity of human beings and the differences in their understanding capacities. Some human beings would be persuaded by cajoling whereas others would be convinced through scolding.
The Irony of "Exposition of the Angelic Salutation (Ave Maria)"
Aquinas explains, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. With respect to the first, it should be known that in ancient times it was an especially great even when an angel appeared to men, so that men might show them reverence, for they deserve the greatest praise. It was written in praise of Abraham that he received angels hospitably and that he showed them reverence. But it was never heard that an angel showed reverence to a man until he saluted the blessed Virgin, saying reverently, 'Hail." The angel addresses Mary with extraordinary respect. Ordinarily, it would have been Mary to revere the angel because she is a mortal whereas the angel is holy and ranks higher than her in the hierarchy of beings. The ironic address underscores Mary's holiness which is contributory to God favoring her.
The Irony of “God is man”-“The Logic of the Incarnation”
Aquinas elucidates, “Moreover, Athanaisius says that just as soul and body are one man, so God and man are one Christ. But it is false to say that the soul is the body. Therefore, it is false to say that God is man.” Athanaisius’ argument about the inseparability of the ‘body and soul’ implies that “God is man.” However, it is ironic for Athanasius to conclude that God is not man. Jesus Christ despite being God takes the body of a human being; he demonstrates through is form that ‘God is a man.' Had Jesus had a body different from those of conventional humans, then the argument, "God is not man", would be logical. The controversy reading God's nature is based on the unawareness concerning God's exact looks.
The Irony of the Trinity-“The Logic of the Incarnation”
Aquinas remarks, “In Philippians 2.6-7 it is said, ‘who, though he was by nature God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be clung to, but emptied himself, taking the nature of a slave and being made like unto men and appearing in the form of man…’But he who was by nature God is God." Ironically, despite His mystical and majestic power, Christ takes up the role of a slave for humanity. He would be expected to wield his power and bring all humanity to submission. Christ's ironic approach, accentuates his godliness, he is not as egotistical as the earthly kings who exploit their powers and exhibit great narcissism. Christ is driven by unconditional love and not power.
The Irony of “Blessed Virgin Mary”-“What is a Sacrament?”
Aquinas elaborates, “Similarly if someone were to say, “I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit,” it will be a true baptism. But perhaps if he should say, ‘I baptize thee in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit and of the Blessed Virgin Mary,’ it would not be a baptism.” Invoking Virgin Mary in the sacrament of baptism invalidates the sacrament despite Mary being the Mother of Jesus, whose name is in the sacrament. The ironic invalidation of the baptism, owing to the addition of the Virgin Mary in it, confirms that sacraments are specific; hence, should not be altered through addition of names or phrases which are not components of the sacraments. Although the Virgin Mary is very instrumental due to her role of birthing Jesus, she is not involved in the baptism sacrament which requires the invocation of the components of the trinity.
