Embracing Mary’s Example
When I think of Mary, the Blessed Virgin, I see a woman of incredible faith, humility, and courage. She said “yes” to God in the most extraordinary way, becoming the mother of our Savior. Her life is a beautiful example of trust and obedience to God, and as Catholics, she holds a special place in our hearts, not as someone we worship, but as someone we deeply honor.
Yet, for many outside the Catholic faith, Mary is often misunderstood. I’ve heard so many misconceptions about what Catholics believe regarding Mary, and I want to take a moment to share why her role is so significant and clarify some of the things people get wrong about our devotion to her.
Mary’s Role in the Catholic Faith
Mary’s “yes” to God is a shining example of faith in action. In Luke 1:38, she declares, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” This moment of surrender is something I reflect on often. How many times has God called me to step out in faith, and how often have I hesitated or questioned? Mary’s trust inspires me to say “yes” to God, even when I don’t understand His plans.
Catholics honor Mary because of her unique role in salvation history. She isn’t just the mother of Jesus—she’s the first disciple, the one who carried our Savior and nurtured Him. Her “yes” to God brought Jesus into the world, and her life continues to point us back to Him.
What Catholics Get Wrongly Accused Of
One of the biggest misconceptions about Catholics is that we “worship” Mary. Let me be clear: we don’t. Worship is reserved for God alone. What we do is honor Mary, much like you’d honor a beloved family member or mentor.
When we pray to Mary, we’re not placing her above God. Instead, we’re asking her to intercede for us, just as you might ask a friend to pray for you. Mary is the ultimate prayer warrior, bringing our intentions to her Son.
Another common misunderstanding is the idea that Catholics believe Mary is divine. She’s not. Mary is human, just like us. But her unique role as the mother of Jesus gives her a special place in God’s story.
Learning from Mary’s Example
Mary’s life offers us so much to reflect on as Christians:
Her trust in God’s plan: Mary didn’t know what her future would hold when she said “yes” to the angel Gabriel, but she trusted God completely. How often do we hesitate to trust Him with our own lives?
Her humility: Mary didn’t seek recognition or praise. She lived her life pointing others to her Son.
Her perseverance: Mary endured incredible suffering, from fleeing to Egypt to witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion. Yet, she remained faithful, trusting in God’s plan even in the darkest moments.
As mothers, wives, and followers of Christ, there’s so much we can learn from Mary’s example. She teaches us to surrender, to trust, and to stay faithful no matter what life throws our way.
The Rosary: A Powerful Prayer
One of the most beautiful ways Catholics honor Mary is through the Rosary. This isn’t just a prayer, it’s a way to meditate on the life of Christ through Mary’s eyes. Each mystery of the Rosary draws us closer to Jesus, reflecting on His birth, ministry, suffering, and resurrection.
When I pray the Rosary, I feel a sense of peace and closeness to God. It’s a moment to step away from the noise of the world and focus on His love and grace.
Why Mary Matters Today
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Mary’s example reminds us to trust in God’s plan. She shows us the beauty of humility and the power of surrender.
For me, honoring Mary isn’t about putting her above God, it’s about letting her lead me closer to Him. She always points us to Jesus, reminding us that He is the source of our hope, strength, and salvation.
Addressing Misconceptions with Grace
If you’ve ever had someone question your devotion to Mary, I encourage you to respond with grace and understanding. Share the truth about what Catholics believe, but more importantly, share how Mary has helped you grow closer to Christ.
At the end of the day, Mary’s role in our faith isn’t about division—it’s about unity. Her life is a testament to God’s love, and she invites all of us to deepen our relationship with her Son.
Father, thank You for the gift of Mary, who shows us what it means to trust You completely. Lord, help me to learn from her example of faith, humility, and surrender. Teach me to say “yes” to You in all areas of my life and to trust Your plan, even when it’s hard to see.
Thank You for giving us Mary to guide us closer to Jesus. May her life inspire us to live with faith and courage, always pointing others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
