There’s no question that our Blessed Mother is holy.
Actually, I was a bit puzzled about this when I converted to Catholicism. I guess I’d assumed that the word “holy” was the same as “divine.” Godly. Not of this world, but of heaven.
What I’ve learned is that holiness is something that each of us – every person – is called to be. And can achieve.
That’s the hard part, isn’t it? To believe that we can actually achieve holiness in this brief lifetime?
Actually, the Catholic view isn’t that it’s a one-and-done kind of thing. You got the holy water and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you’re done. Then you can move on with your life because you got your checkmark in the Big Book.
No, salvation is a constant effort. If you’ve accepted Christ’s lordship, you now have to start the hard work of living it out.
And that’s what Mary did. She dedicated her life – and afterlife – to the salvation of humanity, in service to her God and her Son.
Am I that dedicated and courageous? Sometimes yes. But I also stumble, as we all do.