I remember when I thought along these lines when I was starting to learn about the faith. The first time I read some of Mary's titles in the litany my jaw about hit the floor.
I understand now that it's because I was looking at Mary WITHOUT Christ. But when you view her with him, you understand that she only reflects what she's been given by him. And when you view Christ with Mary, it's more than the mind can take in. At least for me.
Imagine being so humble that you, God, deign to dwell inside a mere human being for 9 months, totally dependent on her. That you place yourself under the authority of this woman and her spouse. That you allow these two, who You created, to raise you. Teach you to walk. Talk. Pray. Worship. Can you imagine? You're God and you let Joseph teach you your prayers? Mary teach you your manners?
Yes, I can ponder Mary's obedience or Joseph's acceptance of responsibility. There's so much each of their lives can teach me by example. But it ultimately circles back to the Holy Trinity. Each of the Three Persons condescended and humbled Themselves in the Incarnation. And they did it to save you and me. I appreciate our good God more not less when I contemplate Joseph or Mary. I find it adds to my worship because I realize I have more to be thankful for than I can even begin to imagine.
I love being Catholic! It's helped me to love Christ more, not less.
So beautifully said. I’m glad you are a Catholic too!
I love what my priest said yesterday speaking of how when God first created Adam and Eve it was day and sin brought the night. And, when God created Mary, she is the new dawn of the new day brought by Jesus, who ended the long night of death wrought by the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
This is a rather rough paraphrase of the sermon, but I think is the gist of what he was saying.