Why Do Catholics Honor Mary?

05-12-2019Why do we do that?

Mother’s Day is a day set apart for us to think of those extraordinary women or individuals who have affected us by playing the role mother in our lives. One woman in particular who has affected us all is the one whom scripture described as, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). Catholics throughout the ages have treasured the truth of these words of Elizabeth to Mary. At the center of Catholic faith is Jesus Christ, who is the blessed fruit of the womb of Mary. Close to Jesus, and inseparable from him, is Mary, his mother.

Elizabeth calls her Mother of the Lord (Luke 1:43). God’s beautiful plan of redemption called upon the faith, hope, and love of Mary. She said yes: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Because she said yes, Christ was born and we were redeemed.

So, it makes sense that those who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior will also show honor and respect to his mother, Mary.

Catholics are in very good company honoring Mary. God the Father honors Mary. The angel Gabriel, sent from God, announces: “greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). This is high praise. God honors Mary by choosing her and allowing the fullness of divinity to take human form in Mary.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, honors Mary. He chose her to be his mother. At the very beginning of his public life he changes water into wine at the marriage feast at Cana because his mother requests it (John 2:1-11). The first disciples honored her. She prayed with them while they waited for the coming of the Spirit (Acts 1:14). Just as Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Mary, so the Church of Jesus Christ is born at Pentecost with Mary present.

The early Christian Church honored Mary. Saint Luke honored Mary in his gospel in the stories of the annunciation, visitation, and birth of Jesus Christ. Mary became a figure for popular devotion among the first Christian communities. As early as AD150 in the Catacombs of Rome, people painted pictures of Mary holding the baby Jesus.

The ultimate reason for honoring Mary is love. If we love Jesus Christ and believe him to be our Lord and Savior, we love Mary, his mother, because she gave him life and nurtured and cared for him until his public ministry began.

As we honor our mothers and those who have played the role of mother in our lives, may our devotions to our Blessed Mother lead us to Jesus who alone is the Savior and Redeemer.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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