Why the Devil Hates the Blessed Virgin Mary So Much (And Why You Should Love Her)

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The topic at hand requires a balance of deep theological understanding and pastoral sensitivity. It is important to navigate this intricate subject within the boundaries of Catholic doctrine and tradition. At its core, this topic explores the nature of the evil one’s disdain for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and invites us to understand why loving her is crucial for our spiritual lives.

Who is the Devil, and Who is Mary?

The Devil: The Father of Lies

The Devil, also known as Satan or Lucifer, was originally a good angel created by God. However, he rebelled against God and was thrown out of Heaven. He is described in the Bible as “a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NIV).

Mary: The Mother of God

Mary, on the other hand, is a symbol of ultimate goodness and humility. She is called the Mother of God because she gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man, who is God himself” (CCC 509).

The Clash: Humility vs. Pride

The animosity between the Devil and Mary can largely be attributed to a battle of virtues and vices: humility versus pride. The Devil’s original sin was pride; he thought he could be like God. On the flip side, Mary represents the pinnacle of humility. When the Angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive the Son of God, Mary replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, RSV).

Why Does the Devil Hate Mary?

Mary’s Role in God’s Plan of Salvation

Mary holds a unique and essential role in God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. She willingly agreed to be the Mother of Jesus, thus setting in motion the Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Satan hates what Mary stands for because she played a role in bringing about the very events that would lead to his ultimate defeat.

The Woman Clothed with the Sun

The Book of Revelation talks about “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1, RSV). This is widely interpreted by Catholic theologians to represent both the Church and Mary. In the same chapter, the woman is pursued by a dragon, identified as the Devil. The Devil’s hatred for Mary is tied into this cosmic battle.

Mary as the New Eve

The Church Fathers often spoke of Mary as the “New Eve,” mirroring the role of the original Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve was deceived by the serpent (the Devil), leading to the fall of man. Mary, however, listened to God and played a role in the redemption of humanity. Her “yes” to God undid the “no” of Eve. St. Irenaeus of Lyons once said, “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary” (Against Heresies, Book III, Chapter 22).

Why Should You Love Mary?

Mary is Our Spiritual Mother

Jesus, while hanging on the cross, said to John, “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27, RSV). In this moment, Jesus gave Mary to all of humanity as a spiritual mother. The Catechism reminds us, “Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it” (CCC 964).

Loving Mary Means Loving Jesus

Mary always points us to Jesus. Loving her is a way to deepen our relationship with her Son. The Rosary, for example, is a prayer centered on the life of Christ, even though it is often mistakenly viewed as merely Marian devotion.

Mary’s Intercession

Catholics believe that Mary, being in heaven, intercedes for us. The Catechism states, “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness… They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us” (CCC 956).

Conclusion: A Universal Call to Love Mary

Loving Mary is not just a pious devotion or theological opinion; it is rooted in the universal teachings of the Church. Satan hates Mary because she represents everything he is not: humble, obedient, and full of love for God and humanity. Mary played a pivotal role in God’s plan for our salvation, and thus she is worthy of our love and veneration. She serves as our spiritual mother, continuously guiding us toward her Son, Jesus Christ. As the battle between good and evil continues, let us draw near to Mary, seeking her intercession and striving to emulate her virtues.

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