Did she need the boost from free advertising for a dying studio? Such a flap over junk art. I honestly wonder if the owner wanted the publicity to boost her profit line. Did she need something controversial so that people would come and visit her shop (you know - celebrity rubberneckers who flocked to see the surreal)?
Mary is mostly iconic for the Roman Catholic church. For me, she represents the type of person God is looking to use for great purposes - people who honor Him and are willing to die for Him. Her acceptance of being the mother of Jesus without being married was a death sentence in her time. Her bravery was more God honoring that many realize. Pregnant women - without husbands - were stoned! Mary faced the rest of her existence either awaiting to be killed by an angry mob or being ridiculed for life as a tramp. She chose God and the rest is history.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 (NIV)
Beyond her extraordinary faith, Mary was just a person. She had faults like any of us. She faced eternity in hell just like any of us. However, her faith in the child she birthed led her to eternity in heaven. She is not one to save souls. She cannot heal people. She is not appearing in your local bakery on your bagel. She faces the same final judgment we all face when Jesus returns to earth. Yet Jesus loves her just as much as He loves you and me.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)Mary's life is a life of redemption and salvation. She followed her son throughout His ministry. She chastised Him as a child for running away and was chastised by Him as an adult for trying to manipulate His ministry. Yet He takes time while dying on the cross to make preparations for her care after His death.
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:8-13 (NIV)
The awesome grace of Jesus is shown in His compassion for His mother. That same compassion has been made avaiable to all who will listen and recieve it.
So if someone wants to mock the portrayal of Mary or any other Christian symbol or heritage, remember the love and compassion of Jesus. Share His message with the same love and compassion He has shown to you. Instead of getting upset, use this emotion to show God's love. Use this emotion to pray for those who still do not have a relationship with God. Live worthy of the life Jesus gives those who call upon His name and help bring even more people to the door of salvation:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
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