Personally, Mary has become far more interesting to me than simply as someone we think of only at Christmas, as used to be the case with me.
For example, if that woman was healed thanks to her belief in Him and that simply by touching Jesus' clothes she would be healed, well...what of the woman who carried not yet baby Jesus and gave birth to Him, raised and cared for Him, etc.?
In trying to get my head around "all of that", there's no way I see Mary as a standard issue human, either in life or "death".
Instead, I think what the Catholics (and perhaps the Orthodox?) believe is likely much closer to the truth than the Protestant take on her.
As such, I think I'll keep my mind open in my seeking answers, so as not to err in ignorance, nor be condemned my own mouth speaking foolishly, such as from not pondering the mystery more fully. There's no fooling God.
To me and my thinking, any reverence given to Mary is also given to the Holy Trinity at the same time, since she received all from God and is merely reflecting His Light and not an actual source. He is the source and all Glory goes to Him.
It's a nice thought and I understand the sentiment. However, it is not supported Scripturally. We have zero record of Mary being able to do any of the things catholicism has elevated her to.
In your post you've equated her to having abilities of Christ and in some cases the disciples. Of those later two we have record of.
You mention wanting to not "err in ignorance". Consider this:
If Mary is who catholics claim she is, then non-catholics have not availed themselves to her and have missed out on some of the blessings that catholicism says extends from Mary.
However, if Mary is not who catholicism says she is then the err of worshipping someone other than Christ and attributing to that person Christlike qualities is in violation of Scripture and is a sin.
That is precisely correct.
As you continue your faith journey remember only one thing about Catholicism if you forget the rest: We are taught, "Jesus isn't the most important thing. He is everything." And that's not mistyped.
That is authentic Catholic dogma, despite what others maintain.
I will pray for you tomorrow during my daily prayers.
Merry Christmas!
We've noticed.
What kind of attempts is your church trying to get your C&E Catholics to become more faithful in their attendance?
Church Lady says, "Well! Ain't THAT special!!"