Why Catholics Call Mary Their Mother

Summary

Father Mike Smith discusses the Catholic devotion to Mary, the mother of God, emphasizing that it does not detract from one's relationship with Jesus. He uses the analogy of meeting a partner's family to illustrate how loving those whom God loves can deepen one's love for God. Mary, as the 'perfect disciple,' directs us to Jesus, similar to how the moon reflects the sun's light. Jesus' words from the cross, particularly giving Mary to his disciples as their mother, solidify the Catholic belief in Mary's maternal role in the spiritual life.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Catholics believe in praying to Mary, the mother of God, not as a replacement for Jesus but to deepen their relationship with God.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Jesus is considered fully God and fully human, whereas Mary is a completely human being, known as the perfect disciple.
• 🌞 Mary's role is to point towards Jesus, similar to how the moon reflects the light of the sun, emphasizing that her purpose is to direct attention to her son.
• 💡 Loving Mary or other saints does not detract from one's love for God; instead, it amplifies it, as it reflects God's amazingness.
• 🤔 The fear that a relationship with Mary would diminish one's relationship with God is unfounded, as it can enhance the love for God.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker uses a personal analogy of meeting a partner's family to explain how knowing and loving those close to someone can increase your love for them.
• 🔗 The relationship with Mary is likened to a familial bond, as Jesus, in his last words from the cross, gave Mary to his disciples as their mother.
• 🏠 Jesus's command to 'take her into your home' is interpreted as an invitation for believers to incorporate Mary into their spiritual lives.
• 👩‍🏫 Mary is seen as a mother figure for all believers, guiding them towards Jesus and exemplifying obedience to God's will.
• 🌐 The script encourages believers to consider Mary's role in their lives and to embrace her as a spiritual mother given by Jesus.

Q & A

Why do Catholics talk to Mary when they can talk to Jesus directly?

Catholics believe that having a relationship with Mary does not take away from their relationship with Jesus. Instead, it amplifies their love for Jesus because Mary's role is to point to her son, Jesus.

How does loving Mary help in loving Jesus more?

Loving Mary, who is a human being and the mother of Jesus, helps in loving Jesus more because she reflects the light of Jesus, similar to how the moon reflects the light of the sun.

What is the significance of Mary being called 'the perfect disciple'?

Mary is called 'the perfect disciple' because she is seen as the ideal follower of Jesus, embodying complete submission and devotion to God's will.

Why is Mary referred to as 'the Mother of God'?

Mary is referred to as 'the Mother of God' because she gave birth to Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human.

What is the role of Mary in the life of a Catholic?

In Catholicism, Mary's role is to guide and intercede, helping believers to grow closer to Jesus by her example and her prayers.

How does the relationship with Mary relate to the relationship with God?

The relationship with Mary is seen as complementary to the relationship with God. It does not detract from it but rather enhances the believer's love and devotion to God.

What does the speaker mean when he says Mary is 'more than the perfect disciple'?

The speaker implies that Mary holds a unique and special place in the Christian faith beyond just being a disciple, as she is also the Mother of God.

What is the significance of Jesus' words from the cross about Mary?

Jesus' words from the cross, particularly his instruction to John to 'behold your mother', are significant as they establish Mary as the spiritual mother of all believers.

Why do Catholics consider Mary as their mother?

Catholics consider Mary as their mother because Jesus, in his last moments on the cross, gave his mother to his beloved disciple, symbolizing that she is to be the mother of all his followers.

How should a Catholic's relationship with Mary manifest in their daily life?

A Catholic's relationship with Mary should manifest through imitating her virtues, seeking her intercession, and allowing her to guide them closer to Jesus.

What is the potential pitfall the speaker warns against regarding the veneration of saints?

The potential pitfall is mistaking the creation (the saints) for the Creator (God). It's important to remember that the saints point to God's greatness, not replace God in one's devotion.