Why is it wrong to love Mary, the Mother of God?

[FrJohnB]

Interestingly the John 2: 3-5 passage is the last time Mary speaks in the Bible. There is no recorded words of her after she says, “Do whatever He tells you.” She obviously does speak as she and the brothers and sisters of Jesus want to see Him but the exact words are not recorded as they are in John 2. I have heard it said that this can be used as Mary’s last recorded message to believers that was recorded in the Bible. Rather fitting that the focus is not on her but on Jesus as she knew her role was only to carry the Child. It is like John the Baptist, when Jesus’ ministry comes into the open he “must decrease.” It is after this passage Mary fades back into the background so to speak and is not really mentioned by name until the Crucifixion.

Your post reminded me of a time I was watching EWTN and Mother Angelica had a priest from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on and was taking calls. The Caller was obviously a Protestant and gave this passage earlier mentioned by JimmyB

1 Timothy 2:1-7
First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

The caller then asked why if we only have one mediator between God and man do you pray to Mary. Mother Angelica’s first words were “You are wrong we have another mediator and that is Mary.” (Angrily) The look on her face was priceless when the priest quickly jumped in and said, “Wait a minute, we do only have one mediator and that is the person of Jesus Christ. We Pray to Mary to ask her intersession much like you would ask a person who is alive to pray for you, we serve a God of the living as Jesus said.”

I said that to say this, that there are many in the Catholic church who take some of the devotion to the extreme and view Mary as another mediator when we should be going to the Son Jesus. I have no problem with praying to her for help and assistance just as we would ask others who are living to pray for us when we need help too. The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

 

[Padrej]

Your post reminded me of a time I was watching EWTN and Mother Angelica had a priest from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on and was taking calls. The Caller was obviously a Protestant and gave this passage earlier mentioned by JimmyB

The caller then asked why if we only have one mediator between God and man do you pray to Mary. Mother Angelica’s first words were “You are wrong we have another mediator and that is Mary.” (Angrily) The look on her face was priceless when the priest quickly jumped in and said, “Wait a minute, we do only have one mediator and that is the person of Jesus Christ. We Pray to Mary to ask her intersession much like you would ask a person who is alive to pray for you, we serve a God of the living as Jesus said.”

I said that to say this, that there are many in the Catholic church who take some of the devotion to the extreme and view Mary as another mediator when we should be going to the Son Jesus. I have no problem with praying to her for help and assistance just as we would ask others who are living to pray for us when we need help too. The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

I remember that show father, the look on Mother Angelica was that of someone weaned on a sour persimmon when she was being corrected. I agree that it can be viewed by outsiders that some Catholics take their love of Mary to the extreme and it leads to others thinking in error that Catholics worship Mary when they venerate her. (I don’t use the dulia and hyperdulia words as they tend to add more fuel and confusion to the fire of that argument.)

 

[Leeann]

Thank you FrJohnB and Padrej for these last few posts……I am a non-Catholic and have been in CAF before, in threads with regards to Mary, and this is the first time that I’ve actually seen Catholics mention that this is in fact what happens sometimes.

FrJohnB:
The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

Padrej:
I remember that show father, the look on Mother Angelica was that of someone weaned on a sour persimmon when she was being corrected.

 

[ronin67]

Your post reminded me of a time I was watching EWTN and Mother Angelica had a priest from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on and was taking calls. The Caller was obviously a Protestant and gave this passage earlier mentioned by JimmyB

The caller then asked why if we only have one mediator between God and man do you pray to Mary. Mother Angelica’s first words were “You are wrong we have another mediator and that is Mary.” (Angrily) The look on her face was priceless when the priest quickly jumped in and said, “Wait a minute, we do only have one mediator and that is the person of Jesus Christ. We Pray to Mary to ask her intersession much like you would ask a person who is alive to pray for you, we serve a God of the living as Jesus said.”

I said that to say this, that there are many in the Catholic church who take some of the devotion to the extreme and view Mary as another mediator when we should be going to the Son Jesus. I have no problem with praying to her for help and assistance just as we would ask others who are living to pray for us when we need help too. The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

Thank you. My thoughts and many Protestant thoughts as well. I even had a very wise old priest (I think he was close to eighty) tell me how he thought the veneration to Mary in the Catholic church has been excessive. To me, Jesus (Our Father in the flesh) deserves all the attention, because I can’t make it to my Father without him. Holy Mother Mary fulfilled her role perfectly with no fault. Remember her, we must always, but the fruit of her womb is the pursuit we must stay focused on. Thank you Jesus for saving us!

May God Bless!

Ed

 

[Saintlucy]

Originally Posted by FrJohnB
Your post reminded me of a time I was watching EWTN and Mother Angelica had a priest from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on and was taking calls. The Caller was obviously a Protestant and gave this passage earlier mentioned by JimmyB

The caller then asked why if we only have one mediator between God and man do you pray to Mary. Mother Angelica’s first words were “You are wrong we have another mediator and that is Mary.” (Angrily) The look on her face was priceless when the priest quickly jumped in and said, “Wait a minute, we do only have one mediator and that is the person of Jesus Christ. We Pray to Mary to ask her intersession much like you would ask a person who is alive to pray for you, we serve a God of the living as Jesus said.”

I said that to say this, that there are many in the Catholic church who take some of the devotion to the extreme and view Mary as another mediator when we should be going to the Son Jesus. I have no problem with praying to her for help and assistance just as we would ask others who are living to pray for us when we need help too. The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

I would like to see this. Is there a link on Youtube or something?

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

And everyone stop insulting my Mother.

 

[FrJohnB]

And everyone stop insulting my Mother.

I don’t think I saw anyone insulting your mother or Mary. Voicing opinion on doctrines of the church should not insult you, if that is what you are referring. Your comment was rather vague.
I don’t think there is a Protestant out there that does not have SOME respect for Mary. I think that there are some even in my own parish who love Mary more than her Son Jesus. ( I get this from their actions and words) To them there is no other saint. I have no problem with the Catholic church praying to Mary and her veneration, I do not like to see ANYTHING carried to excess. Jesus’ words were you must love ME more than others.

 

[Jimmy_B]

I don’t think I saw anyone insulting your mother or Mary. Voicing opinion on doctrines of the church should not insult you, if that is what you are referring. Your comment was rather vague.
I don’t think there is a Protestant out there that does not have SOME respect for Mary. I think that there are some even in my own parish who love Mary more than her Son Jesus. ( I get this from their actions and words) To them there is no other saint. I have no problem with the Catholic church praying to Mary and her veneration, I do not like to see ANYTHING carried to excess. Jesus’ words were you must love ME more than others.

What do you think about the comments of Pope John Paul II, regarding Mary?

 

[Linda_Marie]

Your post reminded me of a time I was watching EWTN and Mother Angelica had a priest from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on and was taking calls. The Caller was obviously a Protestant and gave this passage earlier mentioned by JimmyB

The caller then asked why if we only have one mediator between God and man do you pray to Mary. Mother Angelica’s first words were “You are wrong we have another mediator and that is Mary.” (Angrily) The look on her face was priceless when the priest quickly jumped in and said, “Wait a minute, we do only have one mediator and that is the person of Jesus Christ. We Pray to Mary to ask her intersession much like you would ask a person who is alive to pray for you, we serve a God of the living as Jesus said.”

I said that to say this, that there are many in the Catholic church who take some of the devotion to the extreme and view Mary as another mediator when we should be going to the Son Jesus. I have no problem with praying to her for help and assistance just as we would ask others who are living to pray for us when we need help too. The problem is when WE take it too far it gets viewed as being “worship of Mary” instead of veneration that it should be.

[CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PART ONE
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO
THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

CHAPTER THREE
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

ARTICLE 9
“I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH”

Paragraph 6.](Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 SECTION 2 CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE 9 PARAGRAPH 6)

<…>

. . she is our Mother in the order of grace

967 By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity. Thus she is a “preeminent and . . . wholly unique member of the Church”; indeed, she is the “exemplary realization” (typus)510 of the Church.

968 Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior’s work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace."511

969 "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation . . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."512

970 "Mary’s function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin’s salutary influence on men . . . flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it."513 "No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source."514

 

[Jimmy_B]

I don’t think I saw anyone insulting your mother or Mary. Voicing opinion on doctrines of the church should not insult you, if that is what you are referring. Your comment was rather vague.
I don’t think there is a Protestant out there that does not have SOME respect for Mary. I think that there are some even in my own parish who love Mary more than her Son Jesus. ( I get this from their actions and words) To them there is no other saint. I have no problem with the Catholic church praying to Mary and her veneration, I do not like to see ANYTHING carried to excess. Jesus’ words were you must love ME more than others.

You wrote -
*“I think that there are some even in my own parish who love Mary more than her Son Jesus.” *

Knowing that this goes against the teachings and the beliefs found in the Catholic Church, what have you done to correct this misconception?

Thank you for your post.

 

[FrJohnB]

What do you think about the comments of Pope John Paul II, regarding Mary?

Which ones he said so many???

 

[KathleenGee]

The parish that wouldn’t allow Mary to be venerated for over 20 years for fear of offending the Protestants now refers to her as Mama Mary…Filipino way.

After coming home from overseas, I told my grandmother I am a Roman Catholic, not an American Catholic where everything is so watered down that we are on the neurotic side. She told me to keep going to Mass and to look at Christ in the sacraments.

Things got worse. Finally, people began turning to the Blessed Mother for support of faith…it seems devotions are quite intense when the world around them is falling apart. We see how helpless we are, we don’t see the fruit of our prayers, and so Mary becomes more and more a mother and protectress to carry us through…the humble heel of Mary…Revelations, ‘the great sign that appeared in the sky’…we don t know if it is Mary, but people privately wonder if that is referring to her past apparitions to help the world turn back to Jesus.

Mary of Fatima told the children that in the end, her immaculate heart would triumph…her heart is the only ‘safe’ place in the world now, and it is shared knowledge that when Catholics are spiritually wounded that Mary helps restore and heal…of course, through the Holy Spirit.

It is Mary of Fatima who saved the life of John Paul II…after that, he became much closer to her.

We have been living in the age of Mary…it is coming to a close and what is to be followed is the Glory of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…she is preparing us for a new life in Christ, as she prepared Him before, and we hope renewal and reunification among Christians and possibly even Muslims.

True devotion to Mary always brings us to God’s will and her Son Jesus. Christ’s flesh and blood came from Mary, and we should remember the offering of her self for Him as well when we receive communion, to thank her for her fiat – yes.

 

[FrJohnB]

You wrote -
*“I think that there are some even in my own parish who love Mary more than her Son Jesus.” *

Knowing that this goes against the teachings and the beliefs of the Catholic Church, What have you done to correct this misconception?

Thank you for your post.

I have tried to do some education to them both from the pulpit and individually but these persons are what I would call set in their ways and of a mindset that Mary is Equal to Jesus when they hear “co-redemtrix.” They hear the “Co” part and do not think of the Latin “Cum” meaning along with or agreeing to, but rather hear taking equal part in. In my opinion, we think in language and the language changes every so many years so the meaning of words we use that are historic are not always explained as well as they should.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Which ones he said so many???

Ok, I’ll make it easy… What are your favorite Pope Paul II quotes regarding Mary?

Thank you for your post.

 

[Jimmy_B]

I have tried to do some education to them both from the pulpit and individually but these persons are what I would call set in their ways and of a mindset that Mary is Equal to Jesus when they hear “co-redemtrix.” They hear the “Co” part and do not think of the Latin “Cum” meaning along with or agreeing to, but rather hear taking equal part in. In my opinion, we think in language and the language changes every so many years so the meaning of words we use that are historic are not always explained as well as they should.

Thank you… When you are providing this "education " from the “pulpit”, is this done during a Catholic Mass?

 

[FrJohnB]

[CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PART ONE
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION TWO
THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

CHAPTER THREE
I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

ARTICLE 9
“I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH”

Paragraph 6.](Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 1 SECTION 2 CHAPTER 3 ARTICLE 9 PARAGRAPH 6)

I do not disagree with any of what you posted. As I have said in a later post here, there are some who let Mary take the place of Jesus and THAT runs contrary to what you have posted.

 

[FrJohnB]

Thank you… When you do this “explaining” from the “pulpit” is this done during a Catholic Mass?

Yes, the Mass is a perfect place to do “education” on Catholic doctrine 101 especially when your parish is “mixed up” as to what the doctrines really are.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Yes, the Mass is a perfect place to do “education” on Catholic doctrine 101 especially when your parish is “mixed up” as to what the doctrines really are.

Well, I wish you luck with your “mixed-up” parishioners… I’ll pray for you and the members of your parish. It isn’t ever a good thing when "Catholics’ don’t understand their own religion, because they can’t defend the Catholic Church against non-Catholic myths and lies, when they don’t know what those myths and lies are… right?
Peace

 

[KathleenGee]

What is the name of the parish…location not important…but Fr, you talk some times like you are not a priest…

I came from a diocese…that shut down its own seminary…and they were now the American church and were all out for change…and there were those who had alot of their own takes and opinions.

One parish was targeted…They spent a while teaching the people about priestless parishes. People would come and smile and then eat refreshments and go home. No protests or fighting. Good Catholic parishioners with their beloved priests.

Well at the end, the lead priest asked everyone to raise hands if they liked the lay service. Everybody did. Then he made this scenario…‘If you had to drive 80 miles to Mass, how many would prefer to stay and go to a lay service…no response…How many would bother to drive then, 80 miles?’…Everybody raised their hands.

The lead priest was in total shock. And the people were just the same, smiling and resepectful.

The sheep know their Shepherd and He knows them.

We love our priests, even when they are a little naughty.

 

[FrJohnB]

What do you think about the comments of Pope John Paul II, regarding Mary?

Of the quotes that I love the most of John Paul II to Mary His motto was “Totus tuus”, or “Totally yours.” This was his devotion to her and it should be that of a Catholic towards both Mary and Jesus. "I also entrust myself once again to you (Mary) and with confident affection I repeat to you: Totus tuus ego sum! I am all yours! "
John Paul ll on occasion of World Youth Day 2003

I also liked that he was also BIG in inter-religious dialogue. An excerpt:
“If it is imperative for the international community to foster good relations between people belonging to different ethnic and religious traditions, it is all the more urgent for believers (believers=all religions) themselves to foster relations…leading to the common concern for the well being of the whole human family.”

  "...believers are obliged to build together a just and harmonious world."

  "Interreligious dialog will be especially important in establishing a sure basis for peace..."

  "...contact with the followers of other religions is often a source of great joy and encouragement. It leads us to discover how God is at work in the minds and hearts of people and indeed in their rites and customs."

  "May **Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church, intercede for you all ... and encourage others to follow the genuine path of dialogue."**
      John Paul ll in address to Council for Interreligious Dialogue Nov 11, 2001

Note his feelings on her as the intercessor of not just the catholic church but for all churches to be one. This is why on this blog I try to push to look for what makes us similar rather than what makes us different. When we find we have more in common we are less likely to fight about the things that are less common.

I know this one is not one towards Mary but also “Be not afraid” is perhaps what we need to hear more often spoken from the Church. The phrase or one similar of do not fear or be not afraid occurs an average of 365 times in the Bible. Coincidence?