Posted on 08/15/2005 9:01:28 AM PDT by Salvation
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has detailed explanations of the four Marian doctrines (including Assumption and Immaculate Conception) and is chock-full of both Biblical references and explanations of the Tradition.
This is a great source for anyone who seriously does want to understand the Faith, not just argue about it.
For those trying to understand about Mary, I suggest starting with 485-511, and 963-975.
Excellent suggestions!
BTTT on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2006!
Mary WAS assummed; today is the Solemnity of her Assumption into Heaven. Mary is not and never has been declared "divine" by the Catholic Church, but rather "perfect" (without sin) and worthy of reverence.
The four dogmas (unaltereable, revealed truths) about Mary are very simple and all have Biblical support: Immaculate Conception (she was conceived without sin to be a perfect vessel for our Lord), Virgin Birth, Mother of God (and Mother of His Church), Assumption into Heaven (whether before or after a "natural" death is not defined, there are many theological theories, but the Church always admits what she does not know as well as what she does).
Mary's Fiat ('yes') to God in accepting the role of Mother of Jesus is the doorway to the redemption. The Incarnation of Christ was possible due to Mary's perfection and agreement.
To understand Mary's intercessory capacity, it helps to understand the Communion of Saints. It is not only to Mary that we may pray, but anyone in Heaven.
Do you honor your mother? Then you must honor Mary, the only perfect woman, the new Eve, a completely human yet sinless virgin mother, and our heavenly Mother.
For those who must have scripture quotations, just see the posting by Salvation of today's Mass readings. There is the Bible referring to Mary, and only a small fraction of the foundation for the dogma of the Assumption.
"Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
"Hail, Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee." (scriptural, Angel Gabriel; supports Immaculate Conception dogma - "full of Grace" = free from sin.
"Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus." (scriptural, the Visitation)
"My soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my saviour, for He has regarded the lowliness of his servant, and ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS SHALL CALL ME BLESSED." (scriptural...I could go on...)
If you're not honoring Mary, give it a try, you'll discover a real, loving, human and perfect mother!)
Help me find a parking place. :-) (hey that rhymes)
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