Adoration for the Blessed Mother

One theory is that St. Elizabeth Seton‘s devotion to the Blessed Mother is related to the fact that she lost her earthly mother when she was only three years old. That makes sense to me. I can imagine she would find comfort in the presence of a Mother in her life. Although, she was also close with her step mother after her father remarried.

How does the Blessed Mother impact our everyday lives? Are we able to find comfort in her, like Elizabeth did? I know some Christians find it odd that Catholics practice devotion to Mary, and I can understand their concern. I think it seems that we are worshiping her in the same way  that we worship Jesus. Since I’m not a spokesperson for the Catholic Church, I am cautious here, but I can explain my understanding.

I think Mary provides several benefits for us. First, an examination of her life is inspirational for all of us. Certainly, she demonstrated complete surrender to God’s will, probably more than anyone else on earth. She took on the ultimate calling, even though she must have known that it would be hard to explain to Joseph and her family. I’m sure it was difficult to imagine how her life would be impacted, so she must have had fear of the unknown. Yet she said simply, “You see before you the Lord’s servant, let it happen to me as you have said.” (Luke1:38)

Second, Mary is an example of the ultimate loving mother. Although we don’t get too much detail in the Gospels, what we do hear about Mary reveals a wonderful role model for all mothers. Through the most severe situations, she remained strong and supported her son, our Lord. I love to imagine the interchange between Mary and Jesus at the wedding at Cana. I wonder if God inspired her to give Jesus a little nudge and get him started, or if that was just her own desire.

Third, since our faith includes the idea of asking the saints for intercession with God on our behalf, certainly Mary is the ultimate intercessor! What saint could be closer to Jesus than his Blessed Mother? If she was able to convince Him to help at the wedding at Cana, maybe she would give Him a little nudge for our intentions, too.

Finally, there are so many reports of miracles attributed to Mary throughout the last 2000+ years. The Catholic Church investigates each claim in great detail. Some are believed to be true, others remain unclear.

Ultimately, the way I understand it, we practice devotion to the Blessed Mother, Mary, not worship. Personally, I find comfort in prayers to Mary. Participating with the group at my church who says the rosary after weekday morning masses is a blessing that I enjoyed all summer. I will miss it now that my teaching schedule does not allow me to get to morning mass. I suppose, in that way, I can relate to Elizabeth and her love of Mary.

Dear Mother Mary, please intercede for our intentions, which we hold deep in our hearts. Please continue to pray that we will learn to emulate your complete surrender to God’s will in our lives.