Discovering the Echoes of Mary throughout the Old Testament

As Catholics, our great love for the Blessed Virgin Mary often leads us to explore her presence throughout the pages of Sacred Scripture. In Whispers of Mary: What Twelve Old Testament Women Teach Us About Mary, Gayle Somers takes the reader on an incredible journey, revealing the intricate connections between the twelve extraordinary women of the Old Testament, who were involved in the history of salvation, and Mary, who altered the course of human history forever.

A most compelling aspect of Whispers of Mary is Somers’ ability to offer a refreshing take on the biblical stories that Catholics remember reading as children. As the reader examines Marian typology, the author illuminates the tales of heroic women like Judith, Eve, and Esther via in-depth investigation and earnest contemplation.The reader's devotion to the Mother of God will only increase as a result of learning more about the remarkable and crucial role Mary plays in the drama of redemptive history through an exploration of the lives of these Old Testament women. 

Through Somers’ words in the Whispers of Mary one can note her incredible reverence for scripture and her genuine love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. She offers an insightful exploration of typology; that which illuminates the link between these twelve women of the Old Covenant, and the Ark of the New Covenant, Mary — through the light of the Incarnation. Mary plays a crucial part in the prophecies about the Mother of the Messiah; the “whispers” of the old that are ultimately revealed in the new. 

Somers beautifully fashions together a multitude of biblical narratives with wonderful insights through commentary, and provides thought provoking reflective questions that can help readers to delve deeper into the timeless wisdom that these stories have to offer, and relate to them in the context of their own spiritual journey. At the conclusion of each chapter, readers are encouraged to contemplate the life of the biblical heroine and consider how her story may resonate with their own lives by journaling their thoughts, such as at the end of the Chapter on Eve when the author asks “Have there been times when you know you should have prayed or asked for help but did not? If so, what were the results?”

A major strength of Somers’ Whispers of Mary is her engaging writing style that truly captivates, whether one is well versed in biblical studies or a newcomer to studying Sacred Scripture. With clarity and grace, she brings to life the Old Testament stories of the biblical heroines in a way that speaks to the heart, mind, and soul, extending the invitation to draw closer to Mary and to embrace her as a model of faith, humility, and maternal love.

Whispers of Mary is a much needed work for our time, a reminder of the profound connection between the Old Testament, where there is the foreshadowing of Christ; the Messiah, and the New Testament, which illustrates the pivotal role that Mary played in God’s ultimate plan of salvation. Gayle Somers' sharing of scripture, and in-depth commentary on the stories of the twelve Old Testament women displays her incredible love for the Word of God, and the profound reverence that she has for Christ’s Mother.

This book is essential, and a must-read for anyone who desires to have a better understanding of Mary’s exceptional place in salvation history, and yearns to grow ever closer to Jesus through Mary.

 Whispers of Mary may be purchased at Ascension Press.