Why do Catholics worship Mary instead of God? This question often arises from a misunderstanding of Catholic beliefs and practices. While it may seem like Catholics are placing Mary on the same pedestal as God, the truth is that their veneration of Mary is rooted in a deep respect for her role in the Christian faith and her unique relationship with Jesus Christ.
Catholics do not worship Mary in the same sense that they worship God. Instead, they honor her as the Mother of God and the first Christian disciple. The Bible speaks of Mary as a woman of faith who believed in God’s promises and followed His will. Her role in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ is central to Catholic theology, and her life and teachings serve as an example for believers.
One reason why Catholics venerate Mary is to acknowledge her importance in the Christian narrative. Mary is the one who said “yes” to God’s plan for salvation, and her fiat (Latin for “let it be”) is seen as a model of obedience and faith. By honoring Mary, Catholics are recognizing the profound impact she had on the world and the Christian tradition.
Furthermore, Catholics believe that Mary intercedes for them before God. This belief is rooted in the Bible, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:9-13). In this prayer, Catholics include Mary as a member of the “communion of saints,” believing that she prays for them and intercedes on their behalf.
The Catholic Church also teaches that Mary is sinless, a belief known as the Immaculate Conception. This doctrine affirms that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, making her a unique figure in the Christian faith. Her sinlessness is a testament to her faith and purity, and Catholics look to her as a model of holiness.
It is important to note that Catholics do not worship Mary in place of God. The Trinity remains the central focus of their faith, with God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Mary is revered as a human being who played a significant role in the salvation story, but she is not considered divine.
In conclusion, the question of why Catholics worship Mary instead of God is a misunderstanding of Catholic beliefs. Catholics venerate Mary as the Mother of God and the first Christian disciple, acknowledging her importance in the Christian narrative and her role as an intercessor before God. While Mary holds a special place in Catholicism, her honor is not at the expense of the worship of God, who remains the ultimate focus of their faith.
