A Deeper Understanding: Praying To Mary And the Saints

[SeekHisFace]

Even now, you may say you see & understand the beauty that is Christ,

I don’t pretend to see even the beginning of the glories of Christ, the fringes of His ways (Job 26:14) but what I have seen is enough glory to motivate me to make seeking His face the pursuit of my life.

God has used images we can understand to reveal himself to us. The Ark of the Covenant, the Temple, Jerusalem, Mary. Heaven. He has spoken to us through these images.

God has been so gracious to reveal much of His character and glory in His word, prefigured in the old testament, and especially in the incarnation of His Son. Again it is only the fringes, but there is more there than I can study in a lifetime. Sure I can see some of Christ is studying Mary, but also David, Joseph etc. The question is “what does this say about God?” not about the person themselves.

it is through her that you see

OK, I guess. I don’t begin to understand a Catholic’s devotion to Mary or why you see the need for her. I don’t condemn you for it, but I don’t think it’s right either.

 

[SeekHisFace]

who do you imagine is there, in the receiving line, waiting to greet us, in order of importance?

I can’t say I have thought of this at all. The focus in revelation is on the throne, and all the people seem focused, together, on worshiping the One on the throne. It will be a glorious thing to worship God with the patriarchs, and all the saints through history. I hope there will be many loved ones and family members worshiping there too, as we delight in God together.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Yes, I hope that along with my earthly family, my heavenly mother, Mary, will be there delighting in God right alongside me. I will be so happy to see her. Along with my heavenly friends, the other Saints of the Church.

 

[Crocus]

I can’t say I have thought of this at all. The focus in revelation is on the throne, and all the people seem focused, together, on worshiping the One on the throne. It will be a glorious thing to worship God with the patriarchs, and all the saints through history. I hope there will be many loved ones and family members worshiping there too, as we delight in God together.

At our Eucharist, this is what we do already. Focused on the throne of God we gather to worship the One. All citizens of heaven, Mary our Mother first among them, together praising God, now. It is, a glorious thing (though but a taste of that which is to come.)

 

[SeekHisFace]

My Communion Service, sacrifice of thanksgiving, “eucharist” also looks forward, and back. Commemorating what Christ has done, looking forward to its fulfilment in the kingdom of God.

But that is another topic

 

[yankeesouth]

but I can’t grasp praying to Mary. I try so hard to do it but it feels strange

You know there is a very good chance that you are praying to Mary and the saints in every Mass you attend…the Confiteor…

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, (and to you, brethren) that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, (and you, brethren),to pray to the Lord our God for me.

That is the EF version. The OF has three forms, one of which is a shorter version of the EF and is used widely. So why not just pray the Confiteor at home or anytime during the day? Maybe that will help you grow into a deeper devotion.

 

[Justin_Mary]

, I guess. I don’t begin to understand a Catholic’s devotion to Mary or why you see the need for her. I don’t condemn you for it, but I don’t think it’s right either.

It is not that I (we) see a “need.” We see what God has put before us. This is God’s plan. It’s God’s Word that says, “Every generation shall call me blessed.” It’s God’s Word that describes her as the new ark. It’s God’s Word that says, “behold your mother.” It’s God’s Word that says she is in heaven now, wearing a crown of 12 stars.