Faithful Friday - Mary

One of the many misconceptions I had about the Catholic church was they were obsessed with Mary.
So during one of my meetings with Ruth I asked her what the deal was and this is an excerpt from our q and a session.

1. Why are all of these statues of Mary and the saints in the church?
Well, do you have pictures of your family in your house? Yes of course. Well, it is the same. These statues and pictures are of our Holy family and they remind us of who we came from.
Fair enough.

2. Why do people pray to Mary and the saints?
Well, do you think people in heaven spend time talking to God? Yes
Do you think that because people have died and left the earth that you can't communicate with them? Well, I haven't really thought about it.
As Catholics we believe that Mary and the Saints are in heaven with Jesus. When we talk to them we are asking them to take this or that to Our Father. Have you ever asked someone to pray for you here on earth? Well, of course. Then why not ask someone who is in heaven dwelling with Him? Interesting

3.  Why would I ever pray the rosary and what is the point?
Sometimes you do not have the words to say in prayer. Your heart may be in a broken or empty position and during those times it is invaluable pray. Mary was the first disciple of Christ. She is a beautiful example of humility and grace and she has only always pointed people toward Christ. She is like the moon that reflects a much greater light. While you recite the rosary what you are reciting are portions of scripture and then you are asking Mary to pray for you. "Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of or death. Amen" While you are reciting this you are meditating on one of the mystery's of Jesus' life. There are different mysteries depending on the day of the week.


4. What else to Catholics believe about Mary?
She was immaculately conceived. This means that she was born without the stain of original sin as a gift from God but also because in order for a perfect and holy God to come from her she had to be a suitable vessel.
She was a virgin and remained a virgin throughout her life. St Augustine said, "When God vouchsafed to become Man, it was fitting that he should be born in this way. He who was made of her, had made her what she was: a virgin who conceives, a virgin who gives birth; a virgin with child, a virgin delivered of child — a virgin ever virgin." 
She was assumed into heaven when it was time for her to leave the earth.


I honestly do not feel like my beliefs or lack there of regarding Mary shape or define my relationship with Christ. I can see both the protestant and catholic view points. Even to this day I think that some things will just remain a mystery to me. It is so freeing to just accept that we are not meant to figure everything out.  That being said I do think that Mary certainly deserves a significant place of honor and esteem. I am a mother and I am grateful to belong to a church that gives her credit for the part she plays in our salvation history. I also understand that just like anything else people can become misguided and go in the wrong direction which I feel I have glimpsed in parts of Mexico where Mary is perhaps emphasized more than God. This must break her heart as she would want Christ to have all of the glory. Just like some backward backwoods baptist with their snake handlers the truth has gotten twisted along the way. So we exercise patience and major on the majors and not on the minors and for me that is to love God and love others.