Great devotion to Mary.

[Gwaz4Christ]

Dear Catholics, I’m a Protestant and have been like that my whole life, I was raised basically liberal and not until the in my later years that I became a Christian fundamentalist(in the bad way), I was told certain that now I know is not right(evolution is the work of the devil and all evolutionists are atheists, Catholics are idol worshipers and are going to hell, note that this is not how ALL Protestants act, but just a certain people)

Yet years later I began to understand more as I progress both scientifically and spiritually. I have come to understand lots of doctrines and teachings of the Church and I feel that it’s right, that somehow the Church can explain the Scripture better than my Protestant friends and pastors. Yet while I have understand most of the Church’s teachings, I’m still confused greatly about the teachings of the Church on the status of Mary. I understand that it is ok to pray to Mary and other saints for their intercession, to aid a Christian in their prayers to God like a trusted brother or sister. Yet when I look at the prayers which I will perform during my rosary, I have seen some prayers which seem a bit too odd to me, some prayers that make me feel like they’re describing Mary as a goddess, i.e the Memorare:

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me."

Or the Salve Regina:
"Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry, the children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this land of exile.

Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
lead us home at last
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen."

What do you think? Please help me more in my quest of understanding the Church.

Please read my posts on pages 2 and 3. Can you explain what this prayer is to and for if not for Mary’s intercession when no where in Scripture is mary esteemed to this level???

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Dear Catholics, I’m a Protestant and have been like that my whole life, I was raised basically liberal and not until the in my later years that I became a Christian fundamentalist(in the bad way), I was told certain that now I know is not right(evolution is the work of the devil and all evolutionists are atheists, Catholics are idol worshipers and are going to hell, note that this is not how ALL Protestants act, but just a certain people)

Yet years later I began to understand more as I progress both scientifically and spiritually. I have come to understand lots of doctrines and teachings of the Church and I feel that it’s right, that somehow the Church can explain the Scripture better than my Protestant friends and pastors. Yet while I have understand most of the Church’s teachings, I’m still confused greatly about the teachings of the Church on the status of Mary. I understand that it is ok to pray to Mary and other saints for their intercession, to aid a Christian in their prayers to God like a trusted brother or sister. Yet when I look at the prayers which I will perform during my rosary, I have seen some prayers which seem a bit too odd to me, some prayers that make me feel like they’re describing Mary as a goddess, i.e the Memorare:

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me."

Or the Salve Regina:
"Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry, the children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this land of exile.

Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
lead us home at last
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen."

What do you think? Please help me more in my quest of understanding the Church.

Please read my posts on pages 2 and 3 to get a clearer understanding from an ex catholic who has been saved by God’s word. If anyone trys to tell you that this is not a prayer to Mary herself for intercession on our behalf than they are decieving you my friend as was I many years ago.

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Please read my posts on pages 2 and 3 to get a clearer understanding from an ex catholic who has been saved by God’s word. If anyone trys to tell you that this is not a prayer to Mary herself for intercession on our behalf than they are decieving you my friend as was I many years ago.

Scripture clearly says " There is only 1 mediator between God and man and that is Christ Jesus." Yet Romes catechism written hundreds of years later says we need mary as our mediatrix which is essential for grace and communing with Christ for us because she was the vessel that brought Messiah Yeshua into the world. Mary should be respected as Christs earthly mother but not a divine mediatrix as they have elevated her to. No where in the new Testament does Christ or the Gospels talk about her as to be divine or elevated to the standards that Rome has falsely taken it to. “Please read 1 John 5: 13-15” which completley contradicts this Roman teaching.

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

She is the Queen because she is the mother of the King - Jesus. In the OT it was the Queen mother who sat next to the king. 1 Kings 2:19 (Many wives, but only one mother – saved any problems with choosing one wife over the others!! )
Well, I already told you the Catholic position, we do not teach, claim or believe she is a goddess - and neither do we mean those words in a manner that is appropriate to God only. If the prayers bother you, don’t read them. I think part of the problem is that non-Catholics consider they can have spiritual relationships ONLY with Christians alive here on earth — that any relationship with another Christian (talking to them, asking for their prayers) must be severed the moment that person (excepting Jesus) physically dies. Now that seems strange to Catholics because we believe that all believers – believers on earth and believers in heaven – are part of the “body of Christ”, the communion of saints. We are family so to speak, and as such care about each other, even tho we are physically apart.
As an analogy: If you are in a family with many siblings, you know that talking to your brothers and sisters and with your mother in no way means you are putting them in the place of your father, or respecting him less.

Non-Catholics seem to be under the impression that we center our spiritual life around Mary. I’m not sure where this idea comes from. Our most important prayer is the Mass. Have you ever attended a Catholic Mass? If so, then you know that it is Our Lord who is central. If you haven’t, perhaps you should go and just observe.

In scripture there is no mention of any medatrix or queen required for salvation or grace anywhere in the Bible! Can you show me where Christ emphatically spoke about Mary as an essential requirement for grace and where the Apostles wrote about this as well?? Surely this would have been outlined in detail in scripture clear as day without any need for intricate interpretation by the Apostles. These decrees and teachings did not come till hundreds of years later and still I do not know what historical scriptural basis there was for getting these claims about her so called queenship, divinity and her being the mediatrix essential for salvation and grace. If this claim of her is true than how does that apply to 1 John 5 :13-15??

 

[roselily]

**“And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;”

                                 -Luke 1:46-48**

:angel1:

**“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.”

1 John 5:13-15**

 

[BlueSapphire]

Even Elizabeth her cousin ‘Hailed’ Mary.

Luke 1:39-56

[39] At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, [40] where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. [41] When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. [42] In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! [43] But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

[46] And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord
[47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
[48] for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
[49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me --
holy is his name.
[50] His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
[51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
[52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
[53] He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
[54] He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
[55] to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

[56] Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

The same could be said for John and Peter and all the Apostles being called blessed for recieving God’s call for His ministry. The scripture says it itself, Mary needs a Savior because she herself was a sinner like us all. So how could she be divine or immaculate??? I still ask someone to prove to me where the Apostles wrote about the exact things the catechism claims of her divinty and need for her to intercede on our bhalf when scripture clearly states the all believers in Christ are saints and that there is only one mediator between God and man and He is Christ Jesus. Then how could she be the mediatrix???

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Even Elizabeth her cousin ‘Hailed’ Mary.

Luke 1:39-56

[39] At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, [40] where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. [41] When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. [42] In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! [43] But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? [44] As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

[46] And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord
[47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
[48] for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
[49] for the Mighty One has done great things for me --
holy is his name.
[50] His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
[51] He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
[52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
[53] He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
[54] He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
[55] to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

[56] Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

This is Mary giving Glory to God and Prasie to Him. That is right . In no way is she exonerating or talking about her own future glorification as a queen or mediatrix. So how does this conform to what the catechism teaches about her??? This still does not explain in any way the queenship, need for intercessory and grace through her and her divinity. Where is the Scriptural writings and words of Christ our Savior Himself that literally say and corolate to the things and titles given to her in Romes catechism?? After this scriptural passage about Mary and during Christ’s birth there is almost nothing until His Ressurection about her. There is no specific writings or scriptural proofs outlining that we need her for intercessory and grace and for her to intercede for us in Christ’s name. This would have been strictly written about or spoken to us in scripture by Christ if it were important in our Lord’s eyes but it wasn’t. Something that important would have been a strict command of Christ but it simply does not exist. Jesus also had brothers and sisters therefore she could have not been immaculate. She was only immaculate meaning a virgin before Christ’s birth and she called Christ her savior which means she was not without sin. You don’t need a Savior if you are not a sinner. Was she the blessed vessel chosen for Messiahs to bring God in the Flesh into this world, yes, but she is not removed from the stain of sin. Rome implies that only a sinless woman could mother our Lord. This implies Mary is divine and the scripture states she was not when she called Christ her Savior. Because even though Mary was chosen thus began the prophecy of Christ’s divine ministry and victory over sin at birth by being born of a virgin and a blessed, humble, repentant sinner and completing His victory over the world, sin and satan at Calvalry’s cross and His Glorious Ressurection . Blessed is anyone that believes in Christ and beleives His divine will be accomplished. For God can do anything! For the Father said at Christ’s baptism, " This is My beloved Son, in which I am well pleased!"

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Gwaz4Christ:
It is right to respect Mary and to honor her but not to the level of Romes catechism. No where in scripture can you find writings of the Apostles or strict commands of Christ emphasizing ,talking about or even slightly implying that she is the queen of heaven,or to be prayed to or through or the mediatrix essential for grace. It is not Jesus giving mary grace and then mary passing it down to us via intercessory. For it is written," There is only one mediator between God and man and it is Christ Jesus." This is scripturally indisputable. But catholics believe that the Scriptue is not the only authority and thats where the problem begans. They float back and forth between Romes catechism and the new testemant according to what they need and not what God said. The Scripture only applies when it doesn’t contradict Romes decrees.

 

[UnityofTrinity]

Gwaz4Christ, I really want to know where in the Bible says that the Bible is the Word of God? There are lots of times God use that phrase, but He never used it to apply in a big book that contain Old Testament and New Testament. Obviously when Timothy spoke in 2 Timothy 3:16, He didn’t expect that his letter would be one of the “Word of God”, didn’t he?

If you believe in Sola Scriptura, which was put together by Catholics, do you have anywhere in the Scripture to back up this?

 

[Cairisti]

Gwaz4Christ, I really want to know where in the Bible says that the Bible is the Word of God? There are lots of times God use that phrase, but He never used it to apply in a big book that contain Old Testament and New Testament. Obviously when Timothy spoke in 2 Timothy 3:16, He didn’t expect that his letter would be one of the “Word of God”, didn’t he?

Not to mention that when St. Paul is writing to Timothy, the scripture available at the time was the OT!

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Gwaz4Christ, I really want to know where in the Bible says that the Bible is the Word of God? There are lots of times God use that phrase, but He never used it to apply in a big book that contain Old Testament and New Testament. Obviously when Timothy spoke in 2 Timothy 3:16, He didn’t expect that his letter would be one of the “Word of God”, didn’t he?

If you believe in Sola Scriptura, which was put together by Catholics, do you have anywhere in the Scripture to back up this?

1 John 5 13-15??? The beginnings of the Gospels which were written as the eye witness testimonies of Christs life, ministry ,death and ressurection. Yet you say Romes authority and interpretation is needed to understand this. I can give you countless scriptures. If you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God then it is the authority. Peter goes on to even call Pauls writings Holy Scripture. Peter is the first Pope right? So He was infallable in matters of faith according to Rome. How can you contradict this?? Christ said man does not live on bread alone but every word out of the fathers mouth when rebuking satan. If 2 Timothy stated this and it was a truth in which is perfectly in accordance with God’s will then making this statement about scripture being the reproof for teaching in all righteousness, and you claim the catholics added this and approved it as scripture, then you are contradicting yourself. No matter what I will not win this argument. Your authority is based on Rome and it’s traditions and mine is based in the New Testament scripture alone. In all my arguments I have presented clear concise scriptural basis yet all you claim Roman authority over it which morally in my heart I know is wrong.

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

The scriptures were put together way before Roman Catholicism was established. The much earlier councels. You must thoroughly investigate. Do not listen to hearsay. Go to the vatican website to confirm this. It’s just like when Catholics say they don’t pray to Mary or through her when there are countless prayers by Popes and Bishops worshipping her, exalting her above the angels, deeming her the Immaculate Queen of heaven just below Christ when the scripture says clearly says it is The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mary has no place in this picture except for being the chosen blessed earthly vessel which brought God in the flesh into the world.

 

[JustaServant]

scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html

I. The Uniqueness of Mary as the Mother of God
Gen. 3:15 - we see from the very beginning that God gives Mary a unique role in salvation history. God says “I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed.” This refers to Jesus (the “emnity”) and Mary (the “woman”). The phrase “her seed” (spermatos) is not seen elsewhere in Scripture.

Gen 3:15 / Rev. 12:1 - the Scriptures begin and end with the woman battling satan. This points to the power of the woman with the seed and teaches us that Jesus and Mary are the new Adam and the new Eve.

John 2:4, 19:26 - Jesus calls Mary “woman” as she is called in Gen. 3:15. Just as Eve was the mother of the old creation, Mary is the mother of the new creation. This woman’s seed will crush the serpent’s skull.

Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:23 - a virgin (the Greek word used is “parthenos”) will bear a Son named Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” John 1:14 - God in flesh dwelt among us. Mary is the Virgin Mother of God.

Matt. 2:11 - Luke emphasizes Jesus is with Mary His Mother, and the magi fall down before both of them, worshiping Jesus.

Luke 1:35 - the child will be called holy, the Son of God. Mary is the Mother of the Son of God, or the Mother of God (the “Theotokos”).

Luke 1:28 - “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” These are the words spoken by God and delivered to us by the angel Gabriel (who is a messenger of God). Thus, when Catholics recite this verse while praying the Rosary, they are uttering the words of God.

Luke 1:28 - also, the phrase “full of grace” is translated from the Greek word “kecharitomene.” This is a unique title given to Mary, and suggests a perfection of grace from a past event. Mary is not just “highly favored.” She has been perfected in grace by God. “Full of grace” is only used to describe one other person - Jesus Christ in John 1:14.

Luke 1:38 - Mary’s fiat is “let it be done to me according to thy word.” Mary is the perfect model of faith in God, and is worthy of our veneration.

Luke 1:42 - “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.” The phrase “blessed are you among women” really means “you are most blessed of all women.” A circumlocution is used because there is no superlative in the Greek language. Note also that Elizabeth praises Mary first, and then Jesus. This is hyperdulia (but not latria which is worship owed to God alone). We too can go through Mary to praise Jesus. Finally, Catholics repeat these divinely inspired words of Elizabeth in the Rosary.

Luke 1:43 - Elizabeth’s use of “Mother of my Lord” (in Hebrew, Elizabeth used “Adonai” which means Lord God) is the equivalent of “Holy Mary, Mother of God” which Catholics pray in the Rosary. The formula is simple: Jesus is a divine person, and this person is God. Mary is Jesus’ Mother, so Mary is the mother of God (Mary is not just the Mother of Jesus’ human nature - mothers are mothers of persons, not natures).

Luke 1:44 - Mary’s voice causes John the Baptist to leap for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Luke is teaching us that Mary is our powerful intercessor.

Luke 1:46 - Mary claims that her soul magnifies the Lord. This is a bold statement from a young Jewish girl from Nazareth. Her statement is a strong testimony to her uniqueness. Mary, as our Mother and intercessor, also magnifies our prayers.

Luke 1:48 - Mary prophesies that all generations shall call her blessed, as Catholics do in the “Hail Mary” prayer. What Protestant churches have existed in all generations (none), and how many of them call Mary blessed with special prayers and devotions?

Gal. 4:4 - God sent His Son, born of a woman, to redeem us. Mary is the woman with the redeemer. By calling Mary co-redemptrix, we are simply calling Mary “the woman with the redeemer.” This is because “co” is from the Latin word “cum” which means “with.” Therefore, “co-redemptrix” means “woman with the redeemer.” Mary had a unique but subordinate role to Jesus in salvation.

Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2 - the word “saints” (in Hebrew “qaddiysh”) means “holy” ones. So Mary is called Holy, the greatest Saint of all.

Luke 2:35 - Simeon prophesies that a sword would also pierce Mary’s soul. Mary thus plays a very important role in our redemption. While Jesus’ suffering was all that we needed for redemption, God desired Mary to participate on a subordinate level in her Son’s suffering, just as he allows us to participate through our own sufferings.

Luke 2:19,51 - Mary kept in mind all these things as she pondered them in her heart. Catholics remember this by devoting themselves to Mary’s Immaculate Heart and all the treasures and wisdom and knowledge contained therein.

 

[JustaServant]

scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html

II. Mary - the Immaculate Ark of the New Covenant
Exodus 25:11-21 - the ark of the Old Covenant was made of the purest gold for God’s Word. Mary is the ark of the New Covenant and is the purest vessel for the Word of God made flesh.

2 Sam. 6:7 - the Ark is so holy and pure that when Uzzah touched it, the Lord slew him. This shows us that the Ark is undefiled. Mary the Ark of the New Covenant is even more immaculate and undefiled, spared by God from original sin so that she could bear His eternal Word in her womb.

1 Chron. 13:9-10 - this is another account of Uzzah and the Ark. For God to dwell within Mary the Ark, Mary had to be conceived without sin. For Protestants to argue otherwise would be to say that God would let the finger of Satan touch His Son made flesh. This is incomprehensible.

1 Chron. 15 and 16 - these verses show the awesome reverence the Jews had for the Ark - veneration, vestments, songs, harps, lyres, cymbals, trumpets.

Luke 1:39 / 2 Sam. 6:2 - Luke’s conspicuous comparison’s between Mary and the Ark described by Samuel underscores the reality of Mary as the undefiled and immaculate Ark of the New Covenant. In these verses, Mary (the Ark) arose and went / David arose and went to the Ark. There is a clear parallel between the Ark of the Old and the Ark of the New Covenant.

Luke 1:41 / 2 Sam. 6:16 - John the Baptist / King David leap for joy before Mary / Ark. So should we leap for joy before Mary the immaculate Ark of the Word made flesh.

Luke 1:43 / 2 Sam. 6:9 - How can the Mother / Ark of the Lord come to me? It is a holy privilege. Our Mother wants to come to us and lead us to Jesus.

Luke 1:56 / 2 Sam. 6:11 and 1 Chron. 13:14 - Mary / the Ark remained in the house for about three months.

Rev 11:19 - at this point in history, the Ark of the Old Covenant was not seen for six centuries (see 2 Macc. 2:7), and now it is finally seen in heaven. The Jewish people would have been absolutely amazed at this. However, John immediately passes over this fact and describes the “woman” clothed with the sun in Rev. 12:1. John is emphasizing that Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant and who, like the Old ark, is now worthy of veneration and praise. Also remember that Rev. 11:19 and Rev. 12:1 are tied together because there was no chapter and verse at the time these texts were written.

Rev 12:1 - the “woman” that John is describing is Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so Mary, with the moon under her feet, reflects the glory of the Sun of Justice, Jesus Christ.

Rev. 12:17 - this verse tells us that Mary’s offspring are those who keep God’s commandments and bear testimony to Jesus. This demonstrates, as Catholics have always believed, that Mary is the Mother of all Christians.

Rev. 12:2 - Some Protestants argue that, because the woman had birth pangs, she was a woman with sin. However, Revelation is apocalyptic literature unique to the 1st century. It contains varied symbolism and multiple meanings of the woman (Mary, the Church and Israel). The birth pangs describe both the birth of the Church and Mary’s offspring being formed in Christ. Mary had no birth pangs in delivering her only Son Jesus.

Isaiah 66:7 - for example, we see Isaiah prophesying that before she (Mary) was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she was delivered of a son (Jesus). This is a Marian prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

Gal 4:19 - Paul also describes his pain as birth pangs in forming the disciples in Christ. Birth pangs describe formation in Christ.

Rom. 8:22 - also, Paul says the whole creation has been groaning in travail before the coming of Christ. We are all undergoing birth pangs because we are being reborn into Jesus Christ.

Jer. 13:21 - Jeremiah describes the birth pangs of Israel, like a woman in travail. Birth pangs are usually used metaphorically in the Scriptures.

Hos. 13:12-13 - Ephraim is also described as travailing in childbirth for his sins. Again, birth pangs are used metaphorically.

Micah 4:9-10 - Micah also describes Jerusalem as being seized by birth pangs like a woman in travail.

Rev. 12:13-16 - in these verses, we see that the devil still seeks to destroy the woman even after the Savior is born. This proves Mary is a danger to satan, even after the birth of Christ. This is because God has given her the power to intercede for us, and we should invoke her assistance in our spiritual lives.

 

[Gwaz4Christ]

Gwaz4Christ, I really want to know where in the Bible says that the Bible is the Word of God? There are lots of times God use that phrase, but He never used it to apply in a big book that contain Old Testament and New Testament. Obviously when Timothy spoke in 2 Timothy 3:16, He didn’t expect that his letter would be one of the “Word of God”, didn’t he?

If you believe in Sola Scriptura, which was put together by Catholics, do you have anywhere in the Scripture to back up this?

jeremiah 1;9
1 Thessolonians 2:13
Hebrews 4:12
2 Peter 1:16
1 John 1:1
John 12:44
Luke 24:44
2 Peter 3:15-16
and a whole lot more if you like!!!

 

[JustaServant]

scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html

III. Mary is our Mother and Queen of the New Davidic Kingdom
John 19:26 - Jesus makes Mary the Mother of us all as He dies on the Cross by saying “behold your mother.” Jesus did not say “John, behold your mother” because he gave Mary to all of us, his beloved disciples. All the words that Jesus spoke on Cross had a divine purpose. Jesus was not just telling John to take care of his mother.

Rev. 12:17 - this verse proves the meaning of John 19:26. The “woman’s” (Mary’s) offspring are those who follow Jesus. She is our Mother and we are her offspring in Jesus Christ. The master plan of God’s covenant love for us is family. But we cannot be a complete family with the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Christ without the Motherhood of Mary.

John 2:3 - this is a very signifcant verse in Scripture. As our mother, Mary tells all of us to do whatever Jesus tells us. Further, Mary’s intercession at the marriage feast in Cana triggers Jesus’ ministry and a foreshadowing of the Eucharistic celebration of the Lamb. This celebration unites all believers into one famiy through the marriage of divinity and humanity.

John 2:7 - Jesus allows His mother to intercede for the people on His behalf, and responds to His mother’s request by ordering the servants to fill the jars with water.

Psalm 45:9 - the psalmist teaches that the Queen stands at the right hand of God. The role of the Queen is important in God’s kingdom. Mary the Queen of heaven is at the right hand of the Son of God.

1 Kings 2:17, 20 - in the Old Testament Davidic kingdom, the King does not refuse his mother. Jesus is the new Davidic King, and He does not refuse the requests of his mother Mary, the Queen.

1 Kings 2:18 - in the Old Testament Davidic kingdom, the Queen intercedes on behalf of the King’s followers. She is the Queen Mother (or “Gebirah”). Mary is our eternal Gebirah.

1 Kings 2:19 - in the Old Testament Davidic kingdom the King bows down to his mother and she sits at his right hand. We, as children of the New Covenant, should imitate our King and pay the same homage to Mary our Mother. By honoring Mary, we honor our King, Jesus Christ.

1 Kings 15:13 - the Queen Mother is a powerful position in Israel’s royal monarchy. Here the Queen is removed from office. But now, the Davidic kingdom is perfected by Jesus, and our Mother Mary is forever at His right hand.

2 Chron. 22:10 - here Queen Mother Athalia destroys the royal family of Judah after she sees her son, King Ahaziah, dead. The Queen mother plays a significant role in the kingdom.

Neh. 2:6 - the Queen Mother sits beside the King. She is the primary intercessor before the King.

IV. Mary is Ever Virgin
Exodus 13:2,12 - Jesus is sometimes referred to as the “first-born” son of Mary. But “first-born” is a common Jewish expression meaning the first child to open the womb. It has nothing to do the mother having future children.

Exodus 34:20 - under the Mosaic law, the “first-born” son had to be sanctified. “First-born” status does not require a “second” born.

Ezek. 44:2 - Ezekiel prophesies that no man shall pass through the gate by which the Lord entered the world. This is a prophecy of Mary’s perpetual virginity. Mary remained a virgin before, during and after the birth of Jesus.

Mark 6:3 - Jesus was always referred to as “the” son of Mary, not “a” son of Mary. Also “brothers” could have theoretically been Joseph’s children from a former marriage that was dissolved by death. However, it is most likely, perhaps most certainly, that Joseph was a virgin, just as were Jesus and Mary. As such, they embodied the true Holy Family, fully consecrated to God.

Luke 1:31,34 - the angel tells Mary that you “will” conceive (using the future tense). Mary responds by saying, “How shall this be?” Mary’s response demonstrates that she had taken a vow of lifelong virginity by having no intention to have relations with a man. If Mary did not take such a vow of lifelong virginity, her question would make no sense at all (for we can assume she knew how a child is conceived). She was a consecrated Temple virgin as was an acceptable custom of the times.

Luke 2:41-51 - in searching for Jesus and finding Him in the temple, there is never any mention of other siblings.

John 7:3-4; Mark 3:21 - we see that younger “brothers” were advising Jesus. But this would have been extremely disrespectful for devout Jews if these were Jesus’ biological brothers.

John 19:26-27 - it would have been unthinkable for Jesus to commit the care of his mother to a friend if he had brothers.

John 19:25 - the following verses prove that James and Joseph are Jesus’ cousins and not his brothers: Mary the wife of Clopas is the sister of the Virgin Mary.

Matt. 27:61, 28:1 - Matthew even refers to Mary the wife of Clopas as “the other Mary.”

Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:47 - Mary the wife of Clopas is the mother of James and Joseph.

Mark 6:3 - James and Joseph are called the “brothers” of Jesus. So James and Joseph are Jesus’ cousins.

Matt. 10:3 - James is also called the son of “Alpheus.” This does not disprove that James is the son of Clopas. The name Alpheus may be Aramaic for Clopas, or James took a Greek name like Saul (Paul), or Mary remarried a man named Alpheus.

 

[JustaServant]

VI. Mary’s Assumption into Heaven
Gen. 5:24, Heb. 11:5 - Enoch was bodily assumed into heaven without dying. Would God do any less for Mary the Ark of the New Covenant?

2 Kings 2:11-12; 1 Mac 2:58 - Elijah was assumed into heaven in fiery chariot. Jesus would not do any less for His Blessed Mother.

Psalm 132:8 - Arise, O Lord, and go to thy resting place, thou and the Ark (Mary) of thy might. Both Jesus and Mary were taken up to their eternal resting place in heaven.

2 Cor. 12:2 - Paul speaks of a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven. Mary was also brought up into heaven by God.

Matt. 27:52-53 - when Jesus died and rose, the bodies of the saints were raised. Nothing in Scripture precludes Mary’s assumption into heaven.

1 Thess. 4:17 - we shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we shall always be with the Lord.

Rev. 12:1 - we see Mary, the “woman,” clothed with the sun. While in Rev. 6:9 we only see the souls of the martyrs in heaven, in Rev. 12:1 we see Mary, both body and soul.

2 Thess. 2:15 - Paul instructs us to hold fast to oral (not just written) tradition. Apostolic tradition says Mary was assumed into heaven. While claiming the bones of the saints was a common practice during these times (and would have been especially important to obtain Mary’s bones as she was the Mother of God), Mary’s bones were never claimed. This is because they were not available. Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven.

VII. Mary’s Coronation in Heaven
2 Tim 4:8 - Paul says that there is laid up for him the crown of righteousness. The saints are crowned in heaven, and Mary is the greatest saint of all.

James 1:12 - those who endure will receive the crown of life which God has promised. Mary has received the crown of life by bringing eternal life to the world.

1 Peter 5:4 - when the chief Shepherd is manifested we will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Rev. 2:10 - Jesus will give the faithful unto death the crown of life. Jesus gave Mary His Mother the crown of life.

Rev. 12:1 - Mary, the “woman,” is crowned with twelve stars. She is Queen of heaven and earth and the Mother of the Church.

Wis. 5:16 - we will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord. Mary is with Jesus forever crowned in His glory.

 

[JustaServant]

scripturecatholic.com/blessed_virgin_mary.html#tradition-I

Tradition / Church Fathers
I. Mary is the Mother of God
“After this, we receive the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead, of which Jesus Christ our Lord became the first-fruits; Who bore a Body, in truth, not in semblance, derived from Mary the mother of God in the fullness of time sojourning among the race, for the remission of sins: who was crucified and died, yet for all this suffered no diminution of His Godhead.” Alexander of Alexandria, Epistle to Alexander, 12 (A.D. 324).

“Many, my beloved, are the true testimonies concerning Christ. The Father bears witness from heaven of His Son: the Holy Ghost bears witness, descending bodily in likeness of a dove: the Archangel Gabriel bears witness, bringing good tidings to Mary: the Virgin Mother of God bears witness: the blessed place of the manger bears witness.” Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, X:19 (c. A.D. 350).

“And the Angel on his appearance, himself confesses that he has been sent by his Lord; as Gabriel confessed in the case of Zacharias, and also in the case of Mary, bearer of God.” Athanasius, Orations III, 14(A.D. 362).

“Just as, in the age of Mary the mother of God, he who had reigned from Adam to her time found, when he came to her and dashed his forces against the fruit of her virginity as against a rock, that he was shattered to pieces upon her, so in every soul which passes through this life in the flesh under the protection of virginity, the strength of death is in a manner broken and annulled, for he does not find the places upon which he may fix his sting.” Gregory of Nyssa, On Virginity, 14 (A.D. 370).

“He reshaped man to perfection in Himself, from Mary the Mother of God through the Holy Spirit.” Epiphanius, The man well-anchored, 75 (A.D. 374).

“Let, then, the life of Mary be as it were virginity itself, set forth in a likeness, from which, as from a mirror, the appearance of chastity and the form of virtue is reflected. From this you may take your pattern of life, showing, as an example, the clear rules of virtue: what you have to correct, to effect, and to hold fast. The first thing which kindles ardour in learning is the greatness of the teacher. What is greater than the Mother of God?” Ambrose, Virginity, II:6 (c. A.D. 378).

“If anyone does not believe that Holy Mary is the Mother of God, he is severed from the Godhead.” Gregory of Nazianzus, To Cledonius, 101 (A.D. 382).

“To the question: ‘Is Mary the bearer of Man, or the bearer of God?’ we must answer: ‘Of Both.’” Theodore of Mopsuestia, The Incarnation, 15 (ante A.D. 428).

II. Mary�s Immaculate Conception
“He was the ark formed of incorruptible wood. For by this is signified that His tabernacle was exempt from putridity and corruption.” Hippolytus, Orations Inillud, Dominus pascit me (ante A.D. 235).

“This Virgin Mother of the Only-begotten of God, is called Mary, worthy of God, immaculate of the immaculate, one of the one.” Origen, Homily 1(A.D. 244).

“Let woman praise Her, the pure Mary.” Ephraim, Hymns on the Nativity, 15:23 (A.D. 370).

“Thou alone and thy Mother are in all things fair, there is no flaw in thee and no stain in thy Mother.” Ephraem, Nisibene Hymns, 27:8 (A.D. 370).

“O noble Virgin, truly you are greater than any other greatness. For who is your equal in greatness, O dwelling place of God the Word? To whom among all creatures shall I compare you, O Virgin? You are greater than them all O Covenant, clothed with purity instead of gold! You are the Ark in which is found the golden vessel containing the true manna, that is, the flesh in which divinity resides.” Athanasius, Homily of the Papyrus of Turin, 71:216 (ante AD 373).

“Mary, a Virgin not only undefiled but a Virgin whom grace has made inviolate, free of every stain of sin.” Ambrose, Sermon 22:30 (A.D. 388).

“We must except the Holy Virgin Mary, concerning whom I wish to raise no question when it touches the subject of sins, out of honour to the Lord; for from Him we know what abundance of grace for overcoming sin in every particular was conferred upon her who had the merit to conceive and bear Him who undoubtedly had no sin.” Augustine, Nature and Grace,4 2[36] (A.D.415).

 

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and a whole lot more if you like!!!

…as can we.