How Much Does God Love Mary?

I was attending First Friday Mass with my husband and was happy to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to Mass. Some people find sitting in a confessional to be daunting and humiliating. I find that sitting with my parish priest, who represents Jesus, to be a peace-rendering experience; one that humbles me before my God and lifts my soul with His Grace.
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation was instituted by Jesus Christ when He instructed His apostles, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven, if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:21-23. The Sacraments left behind by Jesus are great gifts to His Church, as they are tangible signs of God’s Grace and allow for a closer relationship with Christ Jesus.
On this particular First Friday of the month, I was absolved from my sins and was given my penance. I was instructed by the priest to pray, but also to mediate on how much God loves me. Now it is normal for penance to include praying, but I had never been told before to ponder on God’s love for me.

There were still several minutes before Mass would start. I sat next to my husband in the pew and bowed my head. It was easy to pray. Outside the first rays of the sun were just beginning to peak in through the stained glass windows, creating a soft glow towards the flickering candles on the altar. There was not a sound to be heard except the door opening and closing as parishioners shuffled in. In no time at all I became lost in my own thoughts with God.

For some reason, I had a hard time entertaining the thought of how much God loved me. I looked up and caught sight of a statue of the Virgin Mary. “How much does God love Mary,” I thought. I smiled as I considered the fact that as God planned out all of His creation, He gave such gifts to one mortal woman, knowing that she would be the vessel which would hold His Son.

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42

Mary, the mother of God, was and is blessed and full of God’s Grace. Yes, I was instructed to meditate on God’s love for me, but I was lost in adoring His creation of Mary and her willingness to fulfill all of His plans.

Then, He spoke to me. I did not hear vocalized words. There was no thunder of God’s voice. There was only a whisper to my heart. My thoughts were clearly on His love for our mother, when I heard God tell me,

“I LOVE YOU JUST AS MUCH”

My eyes filled with tears. I had forgotten how great is God’s Love and His Mercy. He loves the worst sinner as much as the holiest of His people! He created all of us and has a special plan for each one of us.
I understood why I had trouble just thinking about myself. God knew that by allowing me to consider His love for His mother, I would come to understand the depth of His love for all of us, including myself. How awesome is our God!

That First Friday, I received absolution for my sins, and I received God’s Grace and Mercy. I also was given an extra special gift that morning. How much does God love Mary? The answer is He loves Mary a tremendous amount – and it is the same as His love for you and me! We may not be as worthy or as full of Grace, but His Love knows no boundaries. God is Love.