A Word on Evangelization

4th Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024

Deacon Mike Meyer

The Catholic Church, more than any other, gives fitting honor to the Mother of God.

   The following story about a small town’s efforts to create an ecumenical outdoor nativity scene brings to light the often times misleading perceptions and misunderstandings that many non-Catholic, Christian denominations communicate to their congregations about Catholic’s devotion to the Blessed Mother. 

   At a planning meeting for and ecumenical outdoor nativity scene, a Protestant minister says to the local Catholic priest, “We can include all the characters mentioned in the Bible, except we should leave Mary out. Otherwise, the scene will appear to be too Catholic.” The priest responded, “I’ll agree to that—on the condition that you explain to everyone how the infant Jesus was born without a mother.”

   Catholics are indeed known for the honor they give to the Virgin Mary, and she plays an irreplaceable role in God’s plan of salvation. It is only right that we honor her (not worship her), for one of the Commandments says, “Honor your father and mother” (Ex. 20:12). If God wants us to honor our parents, how much more must he desire us to honor his Mother. The angel Gabriel declared Mary to be “full of grace” (Luke 1:28), making her worthy of our highest respect. Moreover, Mary herself stated that “all ages will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). The Catholic Church is virtually unique in obeying and fulfilling this scriptural prophecy.