Our campus is named for her, the giant golden statue is of her and we seek her intercession daily. Why do Catholics love Jesus’ mother so much? To illustrate Catholic devotion to the Blessed Virgin in an accurate light, here are three analogies.
First, an art museum. What would a person do if they went to an art museum where an artist was standing next to their masterpiece? If the enthusiast hardly looked at the painting, but directed all their attention to the artist, how would the artist feel? They might respond, “What do you think of my painting?” If the patron replied, “Who cares about the painting! It’s you who are the genius!” the artist might feel a bit uncomfortable. Isn’t their genius made known through art? The painting is a gift to the public, intended to be marveled over.
So likewise, when we honor Jesus’ Mother, we truly honor her Creator, just as when we praise a piece of art, we truly praise the artist.
Another old analogy transports us to a kingdom ruled by a just king. Annually, in his honor, everyone brings a gift to present to him. With hundreds of others, you go to the palace. Looking around, you notice others’ gifts—exquisite crafts, first-rate animals, crops and pure metals. But your harvest wasn’t good; you brought one bushel of rotting apples. Waiting in the courtyard, you notice the king’s mother, welcoming the guests to her home. She soon comes to you. A little embarrassed, you say, “I would give His Majesty something much better if I could—I truly would like to— but I have nothing better, and I hope he will happily accept my efforts.” The queen smiles, “You are right, he will be honored because your gift is from the goodness of your heart. But I have an idea—come with me, if you would like to present your gift in such a way that better reflects this goodness.”
You follow her to the kitchen. There, you and the king’s mother work and chat away— washing apples, cutting them, removing their bruises, covering them in sugar and spices, making a dough, filling the dough and baking a pie. You and the queen drink coffee while the pie bakes. Removing it from the oven, it appears gorgeous! Delighted at the result, you profusely thank the queen-mother and excitedly head to the throne. She goes with you. The king takes the gift in his hands, smelling the warm pie and relishing the golden crust. He looks up at you, “I love apple pie. It's so good. Especially my mom’s apple pie. I can tell this is her recipe.” He smiles, “Do you know why this is such a beautiful gift? Not because it is my mom’s recipe. What you have given me is way more than that. This gift tells me that you have been spending time with my mom. What a great joy for both of you. Thank you.”
Jesus is like the King and Mary, the Queen Mother. Our Lord knows what it’s like to visit with Our Lady and receive instruction from her. He desires we experience this joy as well.
Lastly, let’s place ourselves in Jesus’ shoes (rather, His sandals) and consider the classic question, “What would Jesus do?” Imagine Jesus having His friends over for dinner. He invites His friends into the setting of His home and into His life. He introduces His friends to His mom. By growing in friendship with Jesus’ mom, they become more like members of Jesus’ family, rather than merely friends. And the closer we are to any friend, the more we become like him. This is especially true about growing in friendship with Jesus. Becoming friends with Mary means growing in friendship with Jesus and becoming more like Him.
We’re called to imitate Christ, in which we will find abundant life.
So, to sum it up, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary magnifies God’s incomprehensible genius, helps us use our gifts to their greatest capacity while enjoying her company and makes us more like Christ, Who chose to be her loving and faithful son. Let us seek her together!
Militia Immaculata is an organization founded by St Maximilian Kolbe that seeks to lead people to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mount's MI meets on Monday nights at 7pm, either on Zoom or in lower McGowan, where we seek to grow in holiness as a community, learn more about Christ, His Mother, and His Church, and pray the rosary. If you would like to join us, please email Mary Lawler: m.l.lawler@email.msmary.edu to get the meeting information.