Originally published at The Catholic Thing
Praying to Mary by invoking her various titles may disturb people accustomed to dismissing devotion to Mary as extra-Biblical. But John Henry Newman warns, “Throwing off devotion to her, countries cease to worship Christ.” (Meditations & Devotions) Mary’s virtuous beauty radiates throughout the Gospels.
God reveals Himself through Moses, the prophets, the ministry of Jesus, the testimony of the Apostles, Scripture, and Church teaching. Most – if not all – of the original Scriptural scrolls have returned to dust. Revelation is like a holy swarm of bees, directed by Tradition and held together by the Magisterium of the Church. And Mary – not to press the metaphor too far – is the Queen Bee, interceding to rescue renegade drones. Mary forever directs us to the binding words of Jesus.
Mary’s obedience brought us the Incarnation, “the greatest Peace Conference ever held.” (Legion of Mary Handbook) At the Annunciation, God and man are reconciled. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to thy word. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” cf. Luke 1:38 & John 1:14).
Mary teaches us how to pray and live. Our Blessed Mother ponders the words of
