I’m a Catholic with many Protestant friends and some family members, too. One of the most stabbing comments is when the topic of Mary comes up.
The notion that Catholics worship Mary is nails on a chalkboard. When I get the twitching to stop, I gently correct the misunderstanding. You’ve probably heard the counterarguments. For example, Protestants will ask friends to pray for them and asking Mary to pray for you is even better. After all, she’s the Mother of God, which is another explanation I’ve had to give. And didn’t Jesus listen to His Mother at the wedding at Cana
But all of these comments and arguments pale in comparison to this one: Mary’s dead, they’ve said.
Did you cringe? I hope so. I certainly did.
In fact, I was floored when I first heard that phrase from a Christian.
How . . . how?! How could anyone who believes in eternal life say such a thing about a follower of Jesus, much less his own Mother?!
No one loves Jesus more than Mary and Jesus would certainly not let his own Mother succumb to the darkness of death. If we believe as Christians that we are raised into eternal life, then we must know Jesus raised Mary from death as well. If he called Lazarus from the grave, why in the world would he let death hold his Mother?
We as Catholics know he didn’t; he brought his Mother home to him in heaven.
Protestants are quick to argue that God’s not dead, but slow to accept that our loving God would care enough for his Mother to bring her to eternal life with him.
As we come into October, the month of the Holy Rosary, let’s review some biblical arguments for our Protestant brothers and sisters.
We know Mary is alive and hears our prayers. We know she’ll pray on our behalf and that she has her Son’s ear. What’s more, we know that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
So, let’s continue to pray the Rosary daily and continue to lovingly and gently correct our brothers and sisters in Christ when able. Whatever you say or do, do so with love and kindness (1 Cor 16:14).
Biblical Facts About Mary
Mary is the Mother of God. – And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Luke 1:43)
Jesus listens to His Mother. – His Mother said to the servers, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)
We can pray for one another. – Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. (James 5:16)
Saints are in heaven. – …and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect… (Heb 12:23)
Saints pray for us. – Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. (Rev 8:3)
Jesus gave Mary to us as our Mother. – When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished…” (John 19:26-28)
For more on the Catholic reasons Mary is our Mother and we can pray to her, check out Catholic Answers.
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