[1010RD]

These verses are interesting, no? I understand that you are using them to prove that Mary doesn’t deserve the veneration she is afforded in the Catholic Church, although we should respect deeply her being uniquely chosen.

The most interesting thing about the verses you chose, though is their indication that works means something to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” - Matt 12

NAB footnotes say, “The beatitude in Luke 11:28 should not be interpreted as a rebuke of the mother of Jesus; see the note on Luke 8:21. Rather, it emphasizes (like Luke 2:35) that attentiveness to God’s word is more important than biological relationship to Jesus.”

The notes are accurate and “attentiveness” means more than just listening, but acting as well. Faith precedes work, but work follows faith, no?

[Mr Rogers]

Luther wrote, "Faith is a living, unshakable confidence in God's grace; it is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it. This kind of trust in and knowledge of God's grace makes a person joyful, confident, and happy with regard to God and all creatures. This is what the Holy Spirit does by faith. Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily; he will serve everyone, suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace. It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire. Therefore be on guard against your own false ideas and against the chatterers who think they are clever enough to make judgments about faith and good works but who are in reality the biggest fools. Ask God to work faith in you; otherwise you will remain eternally without faith, no matter what you try to do or fabricate."