Let's talk about Mary

Let’s start out with the common accusation that ‘Catholics commit idolatry because they worship Mary.’ Perhaps the incorrect practice of devotion to Mary is why some people presume praying to Mary is the same as worshiping her, but that simply isn’t true. In order for praying to Mary to qualify as idolatry, the person praying must believe that Mary is divine. I for one don’t know any Catholics who would make such a claim. If they did, then the accusation of idolatry would have some legitimacy. However possible, that is highly improbable in my opinion.

Those who oppose devotion to Mary always think they have something when they say ‘where is it in scripture?’ so lets look in scripture. I am one who believes the elements relating to Mary are present in scripture for very significant reasons. Remember, theirs was a male dominant society. Because of which, women were not given much recognition if any at all. In order to convey what was necessary to communicate about Mary, they had to use symbolism or metaphors. Surprisingly there are quite a few passages that have great significance. I will only address a few.

The first element to consider is Jesus’ words to John and Mary from the cross. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple. ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn. 19: 26-27) Noting that John was the beloved disciple indicates for us that those, whom Jesus entrusts Mary, via a devotion to her, are also considered beloved by Jesus.

The second element to consider is the miracle performed at the wedding in Cana. In the gospel of John the first recorded miracle of Jesus’ was performed because of the promptings of his mother Mary. She also gave instructions to the servers present as if to direct them. For those of us who have a devotion to Mary, this passage is present in scripture as edification. It supports both her having influence with Jesus, even in matters that do not relate to one’s salvation, and our turning to her for help in our pursuit to satisfy the desire to “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn. 2: 5)

The third and most telling element to consider is Pentecost. Acts 1: 13-14 describes those who represented that first community of Christians, which included many women and Jesus’ mother Mary who is the only woman specifically mentioned by name, meaning there were only twelve who were regarded with prominence and Mary was one of those twelve. There were 120 in all, and 13 given prominence if you include Matthias who is elected to succeed Judas the traitor, as mentioned later. Acts 2: 1-4 goes on to express that all of them, referring to that same community, received the Holy Spirit. I know the assumption has always been that only the apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but there is no mention of any such exclusiveness in the first baptism with the Holy Spirit. Looking at the Church today there are still many women from the various religious orders who have dedicated their lives to the witness of Christ, who also happen to have a devotion to Mary. This is not by coincidence. Rather, it is by the influence of the Holy Spirit, having also descended upon Mary and those women, that even to this day that same first community of Christians is still represented by these communities of our day, just as the hierarchy represents the apostles.

As a final element, let’s not forget Mary’s own testimony of herself when greeting her cousin Elizabeth after the child Jesus was conceived in her womb. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all generations call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Lk. 1: 46-49) Like it or not, Mary knew she was destined for the role she now has in the Church today, and that it was God’s will for her to have it.

We who have a devotion to Mary know, it is a privilege to be given one. Not everyone is called to have a devotion to Mary. Devotion to Mary is not a condition for anyone’s salvation and therefore is purely optional. As an option there is a right way and a wrong way to practice that devotion. A correct devotion to Mary will always, and only, lead us to a better relationship with Jesus. Devotion to Mary is only a ‘means’ to Jesus not an 'ends' in itself. To put it simply, the right way will perfect in us a devotion to Jesus. Hers is the best possible help available.

In life we have recourse to many people for their specific areas of ‘expertise’ such as lawyers, teachers, mechanics, etc… If you were a Christian scientist, trusting any medical personnel for your health needs is indicative of a lack of faith, because according to them you should only pray to God for your health needs; and if it is God’s will, then healing will come. If healing doesn’t come, than it wasn’t God’s will. Well, that’s acceptable for those who choose to live that way, but to suggest that the rest of us must do the same in order for our faith to be considered "not lacking" is ridiculous.

The same principal applies to the concept that we can only pray to God for help. The concept is called "communion with the saints," which means, though they have left this realm of life they are still alive and we are still in communion with them. It takes faith to believe in this communion and thereby understand that by praying to them we are simply asking for their help. Most people will accept that God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. If the necessary help is close at hand but obtaining it requires us to ask another person, perhaps the real need in that situation is finding the humility necessary to ask that person. If so, turning to God might not yield the desired result. This same principal also applies to asking the saints for their help, and then of course asking Mary for her help as well.

Devotion to Mary is truly optional, so no one will lose their salvation if they neglect to believe in the communion with the saints or pray to Mary for her help. Speaking from experience, what it boils down to is a choice and that choice is ours. Are you humble enough to ask her for the help only she can give? If so, great things will abound if you do.

For more on the subject of Mary, and the role she has in God's plan of salvation, read; "A Layman's Journey: In Search of Spirituality."

Why we need to repent our sins

Question:
Why do we need to repent our sins if we are justified by faith (See Rom. 5:1), and only need to believe in Jesus Christ to obtain eternal life (See Jn. 3:18)?

Some might say we must repent our sins in order to validate one’s self as a believer. However, the example Christ gave us for validating one’s faith in him pertains to performing works of mercy, illustrated by his parable of separating the sheep from the goats (Mt. 25:31-46). Those who gave food, drink, clothed, etc., to the least of his brothers are invited to enter the kingdom of God because they did those things unto him, and those who did not do those things neglected him and are denied entrance into the kingdom. If repentance were the means for substantiating one’s faith in him his parable would have at least mentioned the need for our repentance; of which there is none.

Consider this; if repentance of our sins was necessary for one to receive eternal life wouldn’t that compromise the belief that we are justified by faith? It would seem that such a condition believes the work of redemption accomplished by Jesus was incomplete because having faith isn’t enough to obtain forgiveness for our sins. The Church has always maintained all the way back to the apostles that the work of forgiveness for our sins was accomplished completely by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross; yet the Church, also back to the apostles, consistently preaches the need for repentance of sins.

Consider as well Paul’s dialogue in Romans, chapters 3 - 8. He goes to great length to try and explain; though we are justified by faith we cannot just continue sinning (Rom. 6:1-4). Why would Paul experience the need to exert so much effort to teach the need to avoid sin if his teaching about salvation, which gives all the credit for our justification and salvation to the work accomplished by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, wasn’t misinterpreted by the people of his time as giving them the freedom to sin? A misunderstanding many people still make even to this day.

And so I pose the question: Why did the Lord command us to repent our sins?

Visit: "A Layman's Journey: In Search of Spirituality" for my view.