In the Catholic Church, Mary holds a special and revered place. We see her not as a goddess but as the mother of Jesus Christ, who is both human and divine. Devotion to the Virgin Mary isn’t a side show; it’s deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, Scripture, and the teachings of the Church. But you may wonder, what happens to you when you trust in the Virgin Mary? This article explores the manifold blessings that come from Marian devotion.
Mary as the Spiritual Mother
From the very moment she said, “Yes” to God, Mary took on a motherly role that extends beyond the earthly life of Jesus. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus said to John, “Behold, your mother,” and to Mary, “Behold, your son” (John 19:26-27). This was not just a moment between Jesus, Mary, and John; it’s understood to symbolize Mary’s spiritual motherhood for all Christians.
Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that Mary’s role is to bring us forth to the life of grace (CCC 965). It’s not that Mary grants grace—that’s God’s job. But like a good mother, she helps us open our hearts to receive it.
A Closer Relationship with Jesus
One of the most significant blessings of trusting in Mary is that she always points us toward Jesus. The Catechism says, “What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ” (CCC 487). By leading us to a closer relationship with her Son, Mary helps us grow in our faith and in our love for God.
Guidance and Intercession
In the Catholic Church, we believe that the saints in heaven pray for us. How much more would the mother of Jesus do so? Mary’s intercession is like that of a mother who whispers wise advice into your ear and prays for your well-being. Remember the Wedding at Cana? Mary told the servants, “Do whatever he [Jesus] tells you” (John 2:5). That’s Mary’s advice to us, too. Listen to Jesus, follow Him, and you’ll be alright.
Peace in Times of Trouble
Mary has long been a source of comfort and peace, especially in times of trouble. The Rosary, one of the most cherished prayers in Catholicism, is a contemplation on the life of Jesus with Mary. It has brought peace to countless people over the centuries. As it is stated in the Catechism, “Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” in a mobilization of the faculties to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ (CCC 2708). In times of turmoil, turning to Mary through the Rosary can be a profound source of grace and peace.
Strengthening Family Bonds
The family that prays together stays together. Including Marian devotion in family prayers can help cultivate a loving environment. Mary, after all, was part of a family, and she understands the struggles and joys that come with it. By inviting her into your home through prayer, you open the door to grace that can strengthen family bonds.
Increase in Virtue
It’s often said that you become like the people you spend the most time with. If you’re spending time in devotion to Mary, you’re spending time with a woman who was full of grace and virtue. “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” said the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:28). And what was her response to God’s monumental request? A simple, humble, “Yes.” By aligning ourselves with Mary, we can hope to imitate her virtues of humility, obedience, and love.
Assurance of Eternal Life
Finally, trusting in Mary is like holding the hand of the mother of Jesus as you strive to enter Heaven. Devotion to Mary isn’t a “get out of jail free card,” but a source of encouragement on the difficult path of life. As the Catechism says, “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness” (CCC 956). By being devoted to Mary, you align yourself with someone who is already united with Christ in heaven.
Conclusion
Trusting in the Virgin Mary can enrich your life in numerous ways. From leading you to a deeper relationship with Jesus, to offering guidance, peace, and intercession, Mary’s role is irreplaceable. Moreover, Marian devotion can bolster the unity and love within families and help individuals grow in virtue. Lastly, Mary, as our spiritual mother, yearns for us to share eternal joy with her and Jesus in heaven.
As Mary herself proclaimed in her Magnificat, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Let us too rejoice in the Lord as we embrace the manifold blessings that come from trusting in Mary.