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The 'great things' are nothing less than that she became the Mother of God, in which work so many and such great good things are bestowed upon her as pass man's understanding. For on this there follows all honor, all blessedness, and her unique place in the whole of mankind, among whom she has no equal, namely, that she had a child by the Father in Heaven, and such a child. She herself is unable to find a name for this work, it is too exceedingly great; all she can do is break out in the fervent cry: 'They are great things,' impossible to describe or define. Hence men have crowded all her glory into a single word, calling her the Mother of God. No one can say anything greater of her or to her, though he had as many tongues as there are leaves on the trees, or grass in the fields, or stars in the sky, or sand by the sea. It needs to be pondered in the heart, what it means to be the Mother of God.

Martin Luther#16

HonorReverence

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mary's role as Mother of God is beyond human description and holds unique honor.
In plain terms
Mary is special because she is God's mother, which is hard to explain.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge the unique and sacred status of Mary.

Where it applies

  • prayer
  • theological study
  • devotion

Putting it to work

  • reflect on mary
  • study theology
  • practice devotion

Questions to consider

  • What do you think of Mary?
  • How is honor expressed?

Another view

Some traditions do not emphasize this title.

More from Martin Luther

  1. 'For He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and Holy is His Name' (Luke 1:49). Luther comments:

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. On coming to the house, they (the Magi), saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. (Matthew 2:11)

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. Few are the women and maidens who would let themselves think that one could at the same time be joyous and modest. They are all bold and coarse in their speech…

    Permalink to quote #14

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