“Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.” (Proverbs 31:31)

 

The verse above isn’t stated directly to Mary, however, it can still be related to her. 

 

If you're Protestant getting up to this topic, you may have thought of Catholics at least once when the topic of Mary popped up in sermons and discussions. You may be uncomfortable talking about, or listening about Mary, especially from a Catholic, as you might have been taught in some way that Catholics worship Mary.

 

Mary is the making or breaking result of many who are thinking of becoming Catholic. She is probably the most debated and misunderstood dogma within Christianity. 

 

In the Catholic Church, Mary is seen as the new Eve, the new Ark of the Covenant and the Queen Mother. Many of these viewpoints would seem unfamiliar to both non-Catholics, and even some Catholics, and may be seen as making Mary into a physical image, or an idol. However, to understand why and how she can be depicted as these things, we need to read the Old Testament.

 

From the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, we see that Mary had a beautiful, strong faith in God, and was Jesus' first disciple. Mary accepted to carry the saviour in her womb and to raise Him. In Luke 1, we see that God found high favour in Mary, and chooses her among women to carry the Saviour of the world. Throughout the New Testament, we see Mary appear and disappear before understanding who she is as a person.

 

It is important to note that Catholics' relationship with Mary is different from the personal relationship that Catholics and all Christians have with Jesus Christ. Catholics in no way are to give Mary worship, as it is God alone who deserves all the praise and glory. Catholics are aware that worshipping another human being or an object is a mortal sin; as it goes against the first commandment.

 

Catholics venerate Mary. Venerate means to treat someone with high respect. An example of veneration would be the respect people have to someone who has died. The dress code at funerals is formal, pictures and images are put up in the church or at the funeral service to remember the person; the way we behave at a funeral is reverent.

 

Mary should be seen as a role model, fully human but has an unbreakable faith. As Christians, we should follow Mary's footsteps, as she is an inspiration to all of us, especially to women.

 

Martin Luther's strong relationship with Mary is clearly shown through many of his writings, even after the Protestant Reformation started.

"[she is the] highest woman and the noblest gem in Christianity after Christ… She nobility, wisdom, and the holiness personified. We can never honour her enough. Still honor and praise must be given to her in such a way as to injure neither Christ nor the scriptures." Martin Luther, Sermon, Christmas, 1531.

 

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