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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Why Is Mary So Revered in the Roman Catholic Church?

There are three Mary's that are described in the Bible.

Mary Magdalene = Follower of Jesus. First to see Jesus after His resurrection. Jesus drove 7 demons out of her according to Mark 16:9.

Mary, Lazarus' Sister = Typically known alongside her sister Martha, Mary knew when to listen. She poured perfume on Jesus' body according to Matthew 26:12-13.

Mary, Mother of Jesus = This Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and she is the Mary revered in the Roman Catholic Church.

In a recent conversation with a troubled Catholic, I found myself challenged when attempting to understand how she felt that "Mary had been watching over her." I asked her if she had a Bible reference to describe this ability of Mary to watch over her. She did not. Anytime something "new" comes to you in the form of doctrine, always ask for a Biblical reference. If there is no Biblical reference, you should treat the information as suspect until you can confirm or deny it according to the Word of God. Of course, Mary did play a very important part of God's plan of salvation. But she was a mere mortal, like you and me. God used her as His vessel. She was blessed among women for being chosen to birth the Savior of mankind into the world. As Elizabeth stated to Mary:

Blessed Among Women
"In a loud voice she [Elizabeth] exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear.'"
Luke 1:42

Please see this link to learn the many ways that Roman Catholics revere Mary: http://www.carm.org/catholic/mary.htm

I would challenge you to allow God to use you as His vessel. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and live in you. You will be amazed at the transformation in your life. Jesus Christ was born of Mary. He was God in the flesh and was crucified and died a horrible death for your salvation. Put your trust in Him today.

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