Having a personal relationship with Mary

[neweyes]

She points to her Son, this is how I know her well. I know what she thinks and I know how much she loves me…one creature to another through and in Christ.

Scriptures do not say that Mary loves you.
God’s Word says HE loves you! The only reason Mary would need to point us in the direction of her Son Jesus is because we’ve mistakenly gone to her first instead of the One True God.

Mary died and is enjoying her heavenly reward with God. She does not need to be summoned by us for prayer. Seek the One True God first, and when you find yourselves in times of trouble He will comfort you.:curtsey:

 

[lil_flower_luv]

Scriptures do not say that Mary loves you.
God’s Word says HE loves you! The only reason Mary would need to point us in the direction of her Son Jesus is because we’ve mistakenly gone to her first instead of the One True God.

Mary died and is enjoying her heavenly reward with God. She does not need to be summoned by us for prayer. Seek the One True God first, and when you find yourselves in times of trouble He will comfort you.:curtsey:

Why wouldn’t she love us? Do scriptures need to tell us that? You believe the Bible is the sole Christian authority and yet it says nowhere in Scriptures you are correct. Also, Mary is our very way to Jesus (that is what we Catholics believe.) When we call on Mary’s intercession, going to the One True God is exactly what we are doing through HIS Mother! He came into this world through her, and we trust we can always find Him through her.

Please remember: Catholics do NOT worship Mary! You seemed to infer this.

Do your homework, please.

 

[GaryTaylor]

If you look around the board you’ll find a big old debate about the promises. if I recall correctly it’s basically from private revelations. No need to believe in the promises and quite frankly I don’t.

Pray the rosary because you wish to be closer to God and because you wish Mary’s help in this.

As to the OP, I’m not sure how we can have a personal relationship with Mary in all honesty. I don’t really understand personal relationship with Christ even. How can we have a ‘personal’ relationship with someone who is not on this world?

Now, I’ve had some pretty amazing prayer experiences. I asked Saint Ambrose to help me once (just asked him to pray for me) and very soon after I found a prayer that he had written that I desperately needed. I’ve been praying earnestly for a friend (to God) and the other day the friend quoted my prayer WORD FOR WORD (I had not told him I was praying so it was a bizarre thing). And I see these answers to prayer as proof that I’m being heard. You could argue answered prayers are like a conversation. I ask, I receive an answer… however, how does this become a ‘personal relationship’?

Perhaps I’m getting stuck on the word ‘personal’. Someone care to explain how this is supposed to work?

Perhaps,… Myself I’m astounded by the fact God out of every single human being on earth, chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. So should not we assume that God:shrug: throught very, very, very much of Mary? Should we not “try” to revere Mary as God did? Who is now God in Heaven with his Mother, who God chose. And the Angels addressed “Hail Mary”.

Maybe I’m missing something here. But I believe Mary has a great deal to do with the plan of Jesus Christ, GOD. Did, and definatly still does. Before Jesus Christ, Mary is the Plan,

The Angels in Heaven say Hail Mary. We’ll, whose at this reality? The Trinity, Mary and who?

The “God Bearer” we seem to reduce to a lesser degree. And why would that be? We must always remember how God viewed and Blessed Mary who is Full of Grace. You know anyone else in the Bible who is said to be Full of Grace?

As far as the Promise’s of Mary? Well myself, I’m praying the Rosary daily sometimes 2-3-4 times daily. Now you can certainly do otherwise. But knowing that when you say Mary she echos God. Then I would conclude its good sense to have the utmost respect for Mary.

Then if we follow the History of the Rosary, well there certainly seems to be some magnificant triumphs of Good accredited to the Rosary.

I fail to see where Our Lady has failed to deliever on any responisbility she was given from God? So what, we should conclude she we fail here, and what NOT BELIEVE? Knowing that the key words are “I BELIEVE in God”

“In the end my Immaculate Heart will Triumph” So…Not gonna happen? Don’t believe?

 

[catholic-rcia]

**We had one come to our doors a few years back whom had no religion at all and one day found a Rosary with the prayer attached. He read it once, and then he prayed it. He then happen to find his way to RCIA and baptism into Christ. He is now a follower of Christ and gives Mary thanks for pointing Him to her Son in the miraculous way she did. **

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**Mary is part of the Catholic family this is why she is included in the Nativity that we put up each year. Joseph and all the others as well. They are also at each Mass with us along with all of the other Saints and angels giving praise to God. Pretty profound, Better than winning a million dollar lottery. Since I became Catholic I have now experienced Easter and Christmas for the last 12 years. It all keeps getting better and better in spite of my sinfulness that I keep countering with Confession. Ask my wife…. its been working pretty well on me. There is nothing better than knowing how much your are loved by Jesus, and that Mary’s love comes to me from Him through her. **

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**This is about as Christian as you can get, why would you choose something else? Makes perfect sense to me and many others. Is you heart possibly hardened? There is a place for you where you can have it softened. It does not hurt accept at times when one tries to hurt this kind of heart. And we all know who that is as we all have him as an unwanted so called friend right? **

---

 

[catholic-rcia]

Peace In Christ
utahmission.com/pages/cMary_page.html%between%

 

[david_ruiz]

**. It does not hurt accept at times when one tries to hurt this kind of heart. And we all know who that is as we all have him as an unwanted so called friend right? **
what do you mean ?

 

[david_ruiz]

**
[This is about as Christian as you can get, why would you choose something else? Makes perfect sense to me and many others. Is you heart possibly hardened?

Fair question, why chose something else ? How do you know that is as Christian as it gets ? I am not even sure that is as Catholic as you can get ,but probably. Thank-you for sharing.May I just say that I experience equal fulfillment in Christ without all the extra Mariology. Like all things spiritual ,the Lord puts out milk , then meat , an even gems , depending on His grace and the drive He gives us to seek the truth.
I do not believe it is a question of a hard heart for you and I .I just do not think some of the things you talk about are on His bountiful table.You probably think the same of my views on Mary.It is like you are on Venus wonderully exploring and I am on Mars marvelously exploring. So the only question the Lord will answer , is on which of the two planets is true Mariology ?**
[/QUOTE]

 

[catholic-rcia]

Fair question, why chose something else ? How do you know that is as Christian as it gets ? I am not even sure that is as Catholic as you can get ,but probably. Thank-you for sharing.May I just say that I experience equal fulfillment in Christ without all the extra Mariology. Like all things spiritual ,the Lord puts out milk , then meat , an even gems , depending on His grace and the drive He gives us to seek the truth.
I do not believe it is a question of a hard heart for you and I .I just do not think some of the things you talk about are on His bountiful table.You probably think the same of my views on Mary.It is like you are on Venus wonderully exploring and I am on Mars marvelously exploring. So the only question the Lord will answer , is on which of the two planets is true Mariology ?

Thanks for your sincere comments.

Everything that is of importamnce in this life as you say is fullfilled in Christ. Its all in Him. As a Catholic what else could there possibly be?

I have a strong sense of the communion of saints. I had a real encounter with one that helped in my conversion to Christ. Everything I speak of is within the One Body of Christ. It would be impossible to go around Him right? God has given us each other to love as he loves us. As a Catholic I understand that it is His love and not mine to give. He gives us the gift of love and allows us to share in it. For Catholics this includes all of those in heaven as well. God is the God of the living and not of the dead. All are alive in Christ Jesus. We are all connected together in the One Spirit, we are all connected together in love. The Communion of Saints is wonderful and I could not imagine brushing it aside because if I did I would be doing this to Jesus Himself who is all in all. I think the key here is sharing our stories, our common love of Jesus. Mary unlike Eve said yes to Gods will and played a role in bringing life to the world. Again she is special in a unique way. She is the Mother of our God Jesus who is One God, the Most Holy trinity. She is special in one way because she spent 33 years with Him. We as Catholics are not to forget that Mary is also a Creature like you and I created by God. And yes some Catholics go to far, this is because they lack an understanding of what the Church has always taught. This is why there is a huge mis understanding. Ask most Mormons in Utah and they would tell you Catholics worshp Saints and Mary.
It was one of the first questions I had when I myself began to learn this 2000 year old faith 12 years ago. As a Mormon I was told this by those I loved and I beleived it. It was when I went to the source that I found out otherwise. Now its just a big part of my journey home. If you discover one lie that you have been told all the others start to become clear. I have not been lied to in 12 years. Its all pretty strong once you open up, remove some blocks and take a good honest look for yourself.

Here is the Saint that brought me to Jesus. I could tell how if you would like.

http://utahmission.com/pages/cJouges_page.html

I always bring out Issac Jouges when helping the LDS learn the Catholic faith because unlike their indian stories this one is real. A real Catholic Missionary.

 

[david_ruiz]

Thanks for your sincere comments.

Everything that is of importamnce in this life as you say is fullfilled in Christ. Its all in Him. As a Catholic what else could there possibly be?

I have a strong sense of the communion of saints. I had a real encounter with one that helped in my conversion to Christ. Everything I speak of is within the One Body of Christ. It would be impossible to go around Him right? God has given us each other to love as he loves us. As a Catholic I understand that it is His love and not mine to give. He gives us the gift of love and allows us to share in it. For Catholics this includes all of those in heaven as well. God is the God of the living and not of the dead. All are alive in Christ Jesus. We are all connected together in the One Spirit, we are all connected together in love. The Communion of Saints is wonderful and I could not imagine brushing it aside because if I did I would be doing this to Jesus Himself who is all in all. I think the key here is sharing our stories, our common love of Jesus. Mary unlike Eve said yes to Gods will and played a role in bringing life to the world. Again she is special in a unique way. She is the Mother of our God Jesus who is One God, the Most Holy trinity. She is special in one way because she spent 33 years with Him. We as Catholics are not to forget that Mary is also a Creature like you and I created by God. And yes some Catholics go to far, this is because they lack an understanding of what the Church has always taught. This is why there is a huge mis understanding. Ask most Mormons in Utah and they would tell you Catholics worshp Saints and Mary.
It was one of the first questions I had when I myself began to learn this 2000 year old faith 12 years ago. As a Mormon I was told this by those I loved and I beleived it. It was when I went to the source that I found out otherwise. Now its just a big part of my journey home. If you discover one lie that you have been told all the others start to become clear. I have not been lied to in 12 years. Its all pretty strong once you open up, remove some blocks and take a good honest look for yourself.

Here is the Saint that brought me to Jesus. I could tell how if you would like.

http://utahmission.com/pages/cJouges_page.html

I always bring out Issac Jouges when helping the LDS learn the Catholic faith because unlike their Indian stories this one is real. A real Catholic Missionary.

Thank-you .Read Fr Jouges story ,again .Never forget some of those stories I was told in school about the early American martyrs . Makes me wonder , did he need or even care to get past the basics of faith ,as the earliest of Christians also ? I mean was not the battle simple ,to win souls to Christ ? Did he debate Mariology or worry about transubstantiation vs consubstantiation etc ,etc,? Are we too “fat” with easiness of faith where we discuss all this other stuff ? Should we stick to the basics also , and make sure that are brethren are indeed written in the book of life ? Why are you and I not on the same page on some stuff, and are we not on the same page on the real big stuff ? I am not sure ,and it is O.K. if you think so also. Yes Jouges was Catholic (though he espouses the Gospel and not necessarily a “church” in the short story I read), but there were protestant martyrs also… Just as you saw Catholicism in a new light after Mormonism , I saw the gospel in a new light after Catholicism. The only reason why I would try to bring a different light to Mariology or these other side issues is to perhaps get one to question even deeper yet simpler truths that one has been taught as a Catholic.You yourself are a testament what can happen once one lie is torn down , many more follow , to God’s glory…So I hold my tongue in answering some of your statements on Mary ,and 2000 years of a Church history,out of reverence for our past martyrs, and in hopes of a bigger but simpler dialogue. Lord help us.

 

[catholic-rcia]

Thank-you .Read Fr Jouges story ,again .Never forget some of those stories I was told in school about the early American martyrs . Makes me wonder , did he need or even care to get past the basics of faith ,as the earliest of Christians also ? I mean was not the battle simple ,to win souls to Christ ? Did he debate Mariology or worry about transubstantiation vs consubstantiation etc ,etc,?

I don’t think he did, but he would have if challenged. I am sure as all of these things helped shape his faith in Christ, its those things through Christ that gave him strength.

Are we too “fat” with easiness of faith where we discuss all this other stuff ? Should we stick to the basics also , and make sure that are brethren are indeed written in the book of life ? Why are you and I not on the same page on some stuff, and are we not on the same page on the real big stuff ? I am not sure ,and it is O.K. if you think so also. Yes Jouges was Catholic (though he espouses the Gospel and not necessarily a “church” in the short story I read),

**Issac saw the Church as being Christ Himself, he being a part, a link in it. The two, Christ and His Church could not be seperated. For Issac it was Holy Communion and his confessions that were his own life blood mixed with the blood of Christ in order to be cleansed, free from sin. So the Church is the very body of Christ. It is the Mass that has overfowed to all of the protestant Churches that gives life to them as well. I see them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of them may not agree but I am good with that. **

but there were protestant martyrs also… Just as you saw Catholicism in a new light after Mormonism , I saw the gospel in a new light after Catholicism. The only reason why I would try to bring a different light to Mariology or these other side issues is to perhaps get one to question even deeper yet simpler truths that one has been taught as a Catholic.

**As a Catholic I know what these simple truths are, they are sirred into my heart. **
**The only simple truth I need is that I am a sinner and Jesus is bringing me back home. I am the cross upon His back, the lost sheep. All the side issues as you call them are gifts to me showrered upon me by Christ. They all help me on my own journey and I love them all very much. One of my favorite things to do is spend time in the Blessed Sacarment Chapel. In there God frequently tells me to shut up and just be. **

You yourself are a testament what can happen once one lie is torn down , many more follow , to God’s glory…So I hold my tongue in answering some of your statements on Mary ,and 2000 years of a Church history,out of reverence for our past martyrs, and in hopes of a bigger but simpler dialogue. Lord help us.

If it is to be one of a conversion away from the treasure I have found then no thanks. If it be out of love, freindship and from the heart than yes of course.

I offer my freindship by offering you a Cross or Crucifix at no cost accept the cost our savior paid for you and I. Take your pick, any one of them and I will mail it to. When Jesus asks me to do this I have to do it!
www.chooseyourcross.com
God Bless

God Bless
Rich
www.chooseyourcross.com
www.utahmission.com

 

[rinnie]

[SIGN][/SIGN]

Yes.but you first get eternal life , then give thanks for it , which is called"eucharist" .We then are obedient and “remember” and are thankful for His shed blood. Jesus said you must eat Him, [SIGN]which I believe is figurative ,or else Catholics are not saved or regenerated until their first Communion[/SIGN]. I did say there was a benefit ,or that Ignatius alluded to it, as there is a spiritual benefit whenever we are obedient to the Lord . It is just that the “elements” are not the direct cause of spiritual energizing- I do not get that from St.Ignatius. I really believe real presence or not, you will be blessed at “communion” with Him,at giving Him thanks for His shed blood (eucharist) , for he inhabits the praises of His people…Yes, it was a night day difference for the apostles after they were baptized in the Holy Ghost. They did not speculate when they wrote God’s inspired words.They were right on .In their conversation, I am sure they had inspired words also ,on extra-biblical topics but I am also sure they were not perfect either .To base doctrine on these conversations is speculation, for one that they had them and two ,that the conversation was perfect and or inspired (again, that is on extra-biblical material). We can glean insight from the apostles’ disciples, but I would suggest with a grain of salt for the above reasons.It certainly would be appropriate to weigh all against Sacred scripture.

No, that is not what the Church teaches. The Church teaches thatt he Eucharist is a normaltively necessary for Salvation. The Church does not teach absolutely necessary.

Just like John 3:16 The Church also teaches you must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. Is that normative or necessity. A infant is Baptised. Is the infant not saved because he does not have the ability to believe?

There is a big difference between what is possible, and what is not. It is possible to baptise an infant, but the infant is not at the age of reason to understand what Baptism really is. So while the infant is saved by Baptism, it does not have the ability to understand and believe.

You cannot take the bread and blood of Christ until you are at the age of reason. You must realize what it is, and what you are doing.

Once you reach the age of reason and you understand that it is another means of Salvation yes it is needed and becomes necessary. But not until.

But this figurative you are saying about the Body and Blood of Christ is not the teaching of the Church, never was. I do not see where Jesus said it is just figurative.

 

[rinnie]

I am sorry I made you suspect my motives .I thought my statement was well within the context of the thread with “Rinnie”, where she mentioned you must partake in his real presence in communion to have eternal life.What, you never heard of the debate as to whether Jesus was speaking figuratively when he said you must eat His body to be saved ? Maybe you could honestly and sincerely tell us what you think of such a dogma ? So you can be saved without the Eucharist ,communion, ? Jesus said you MUST partake of His body. Does not the thief on the cross and other scenarios suggest that partaking of His body is figurative, for having FAITH in whom Jesus is and what He did ? Is not that what happened to the thief ? The thief “partook” of His body and blood,by his confession of faith in Jesus…Not to bother , the church has answered for you .The thief is granted absolution on this matter ,for he would have partook in the Eucharist , had he the chance.It has nothing to do with the protestant notion that Jesus was speaking figuratively…Perhaps someone can point out where in the catechism this is probably stated quite fancifully…You are right .My motive was wrong. I was trying to show a kink in the iron clad arguments for the real presence in the Eucharist. Indeed, God is merciful. As you say we are all sinners ,and I feel like that thief, with nothing to offer our Saviour ,except a confession of faith , and run with His promise of being with him in Heaven-because He said so ,not because of anything I could ever do.“To be absent from the body ,is to be present with the Lord”.Thank-you .Peace to our souls.

I am sorry David, I thought I answered you, it did not go through for some reason.

Now when I said you must partake in the Eucharist to have eternal life, that is a normatively necessary for salvation. The Church does not teach it is absolutely necessary if you have not reached the age of reason.

Just like it teaches you must believe in Jesus to be saved. John 3:16 Now again that is under normal circumstances. The Church teaches even though children are not at the age of reason they can be baptised, and do not have to understand or believe at that time.

Now an infant is not at the age of reason but is baptised. Baptism is required. But to believe is required also if possible. But under normal circumstances a infant does not understand and believe but can be baptised.

Now under NORMAL circumstances yes you must partake of the Eucharist. But how can you if you are not at the age of reason. That is why the Church teaches it is not absolutely necessary to enter heaven IF you did not pass the age of reason.

That is why Baptism is necessary but not belief, because it is not possible for an infant.

 

[rinnie]

I am trying to answer you David but am having trouble getting on this site

 

[rinnie]

Sorry guys I am having trouble with my computer, for some reason things are not going through for a long time

 

[FairyGirl]

Yesterday on EWTN radio there was a commentary in which the speaker talked about the value of having a personal relationship with Mary. I guess I had never considered my requests for Mary’s intercession as developing a personal relationship with her – I had always reserved that for Christ. I think the commentary was done by Cardinal Rigali. As a Mormon I didn’t even think about having a personal relationship with Jesus – that was something I wanted to develop with the Father through Jesus. Is that the same way we Catholics normally would look at our relationship with Mary?

I need to work more on having a personal relationship with Mary. Any tips on doing this?

 

[GaryTaylor]

I need to work more on having a personal relationship with Mary. Any tips on doing this?

15 minutes with Rosary devotion daily, with meditation on the Mysteries of Faith. You can’t miss if you give it an honest effort.

 

[GaryTaylor]

This personal relationship with Mary has to be seriously put in perspective

If by ones thinking is that you are seeking guidence through intercession with the Blessed Mother? This means in reality you are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. One that trancends thinking and reaches feeling? That there then is the definition of Personal. And this I could get with.

Otherwise I"m lost for words on what you mean by personal?

I can’t speak for other Catholic’s, only Gary. Myself I feel I have a closer relationship with Christ and Our Lady through prayer and Marys intercession. I also can’t honestly state I had this same feeling before. I feel like the covers were removed from my eyes. I can see. My heart has softened, and my excitment in Faith has reached a level I just didn’t think was possible. I could feel.

Now if you have this? God Bless you, keep on, sounds to me like your good to go.

I don’t run around with Pom Poms and a flag for the Blessed Mother though. I quietly carry a Rosary which you’ll never see displayed and a Brown and Green Scaplar. All together in one small pouch I wear next to my heart. I pray the Rosary daily sometimes more. Thats what I do.

Aside from that I follow the Mass, Confession, Communion, I pray to St Michael in particular when I feel darkeness around me. Christmas, Easter, you know the drill.

The Rosary helps me to stay focused and directed. I mentioned elsewhere it may be identical had I been praying Our Fathers? I’m sure it would have. But at at last thats not what I’m doing and I can’t deny the reality of what I did. So here we are.

Most of what I have heard spoken against the Blessed Mother is pure nonsense. If she can lead you astray you’d never know that by me. I was astray, she led me to God. And I assure you she does this daily with many.

Let me give you an anology. I played College Football. Weekly I would equip myself in every possible way to assure my safety and that I could put out my best effort to accomplish the goal. Same thing I do with my faith today.

It it excessive? Maybe, Its it absoluty needed? defiantly not. Its good preperation though and solid thinking. Certainly it has given me a deeper understanding, feeling and devotion.

Those who do less and are just as Blessed? God Bless you, what else could I say?

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

I need to work more on having a personal relationship with Mary. Any tips on doing this?

My advice is to walk in her shoes. Mary desired to do the will of God in all things. We too should desire to do the will of God in all things. Mary’s vocation was to nurture Christ. Our vocation is to nurture Christ in others. Mother Teresa once said that we must see Christ in everyone we meet. Mother Teresa’s words could very well apply to Mary herself. Mary saw Christ in Jesus because that is who He was. We need to see Christ in everyone we meet. As Christians we too should see ourselves as having the Christ-life within us. Who do you think Christ turned to when he was in need as a child? He went to his mother. We too should turn to our mother when we are in need. Get to know Mary by contemplating the role she played during Jesus’ life here those many years ago. Also understand that her role is still as relevant today as it was then.

 

[Janet1983]

15 minutes with Rosary devotion daily, with meditation on the Mysteries of Faith. You can’t miss if you give it an honest effort.

You manage to pray the rosary in 15 minutes?

 

[david_ruiz]

[SIGN][/SIGN]

No, that is not what the Church teaches. The Church teaches thatt he Eucharist is a normaltively necessary for Salvation. The Church does not teach absolutely necessary.

Just like John 3:16 The Church also teaches you must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. Is that normative or necessity. A infant is Baptised. Is the infant not saved because he does not have the ability to believe?

There is a big difference between what is possible, and what is not. It is possible to baptise an infant, but the infant is not at the age of reason to understand what Baptism really is. So while the infant is saved by Baptism, it does not have the ability to understand and believe.

You cannot take the bread and blood of Christ until you are at the age of reason. You must realize what it is, and what you are doing.

Once you reach the age of reason and you understand that it is another means of Salvation yes it is needed and becomes necessary. But not until.

But this figurative you are saying about the Body and Blood of Christ is not the teaching of the Church, never was. I do not see where Jesus said it is just figurative.

Thank-you .I understand age of reason.I take it that communion is not necessary until the age of reason ,then it is necessary. Right ? How about an adult ? Do they get baptized and then are regenerated (saved) or do they have to have communion also,to seal the deal ? Not sure of your use of normative versus necessary.I would say it is necessary (for age of reason person) to have saving faith, and if you do not believe you are condemned. As far as an infant ,the question should be are they condemned because they do not believe, which we would both say no. However it is another thing to say (but not by me) they must be saved, indeed regenerated , in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit.