Introduction
Today’s world presents a unique challenge for Catholics, especially when it comes to upholding Marian devotion—the love, respect, and honor directed towards the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. While this topic is a sensitive one, it is crucial to approach it with the seriousness and faithfulness that Catholic tradition demands. This article will explore why the Virgin Mary might be unhappy with how most Catholics engage with her today, based on what the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture say about Mary and our obligations as Catholics.
Lack of Reverence
What the Church Teaches
The Catholic Church is quite clear on the honor owed to the Virgin Mary. The Catechism states: “From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of ‘Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 971). This statement isn’t just a nice suggestion; it is rooted in longstanding tradition and the teachings of the Church.
How We Fall Short
Despite this clear guidance, Marian devotion often takes a back seat in the lives of modern Catholics. This lack of reverence is not merely an oversight; it represents a failure to adhere to what the Church asks of us. Not giving Mary the honor she is due could be seen as a disregard for what Jesus himself asks of us, to honor his mother. In the Gospel of John, Jesus, while on the cross, said to the disciple John, “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27). By these words, he was entrusting Mary not just to John, but to all of us.
Ignoring Mary’s Messages
Apparitions and Warnings
Over the centuries, there have been numerous Marian apparitions—times when the Virgin Mary has appeared to provide messages of warning, guidance, or comfort. While the Church is cautious in officially recognizing these apparitions, several, like those at Fatima and Lourdes, have been approved after rigorous investigation.
Modern Indifference
Many Catholics today ignore or disregard these messages. This indifference is troubling when considering that these apparitions often come with urgent calls for prayer, penance, and conversion. Ignoring them suggests a lack of concern for spiritual matters, as well as a disregard for the pleas of the Mother of God.
Erroneous Theological Opinions
What the Church Says
It is important to note that the Church teaches that Mary was conceived without sin—a doctrine known as the Immaculate Conception—and remained sinless throughout her life. The Catechism states, “Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, ‘full of grace’ through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 491).
Misunderstandings and Misrepresentations
Despite the clarity of Church teaching, there are widespread misunderstandings about Mary’s role and nature. Some people within the Church treat her as if she were a goddess, which is clearly not what the Church teaches. Others downplay her importance, seeing her merely as a historical figure. Both of these views are not consistent with the Catholic faith and contribute to Mary’s potential discontent with modern Catholics.
Lack of Prayer and Intercession
Importance of Marian Devotion
The Church has always encouraged the faithful to pray to Mary as an intercessor, someone who can pray for us and guide us to Jesus. The Rosary, for example, is a Marian prayer par excellence. Yet, this devotion is waning among many Catholics today.
The Power of Prayer
Scripture is filled with examples of the power of prayer. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with the words, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). These words form the basis for the “Hail Mary,” one of the most basic Catholic prayers. Yet, the neglect of this and other Marian prayers means that many Catholics are missing out on the graces they could be receiving through Mary’s intercession.
Conclusion
The Catholic Church teaches that we should give the Virgin Mary the reverence and devotion she is due. Our failure to do so is not just a personal failing but a departure from what the Church expects of us. The neglect of Marian apparitions, the spreading of theological misunderstandings, and the decline in Marian prayer and devotion could well be reasons for the Virgin Mary’s unhappiness with most Catholics today.
Let us be reminded of the words of Saint Louis de Montfort: “We never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek—Jesus, her Son.” May we heed these words and renew our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, both for her sake and for the greater glory of God.