In response to the comment I received (*see below), which was written as a reply to my post, "Mary, an obstacle?" I do want to take a minute to answer the questions the writer asks.
Typically, I let readers' comments stand so as to respect the writer and to avoid a lengthy back and forth, but occasionally I find it necessary to clarify, not out of an attempt to persuade, but to offer accuracy.
I will try to do that here.
As always, thank you for your comments, they are most welcome!
Catholics would agree that there is one God and one mediator between God and the human race--Jesus--who is 100% human and 100% divine.
Mary, does not share the divine nature of Jesus, only his humanity.
The distinction here is that Mary is not our redeemer and does not replace Jesus as such. She is an intercessor for us in her unique role as his mother, and she can take our petitions to him.
Mary could not take the place of Jesus on the cross. She does not forgive sins. She is an intercessor for us in her unique role. (See my original post about her role at the Wedding at Cana.)
In 1 Tim 2:1 we read:
"First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone . . ." That is, we are encouraged to pray for others.
Clearly, when scripture encourages us to ask family and friends to pray for us, Mary would not be excluded from helping us. We can take our prayers to Jesus or Mary.Furthermore, we learn that "by God's grace Mary was preserved from sin at her conception, but we are cleansed from sin after our birth." (Beginning Apologetics I)
Free from sin, the gospel stresses the holiness of Mary. She is called Blessed (Luke 1:26-56) by Elizabeth, and "favored one," by the Angel Gabriel when he exclaims, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you," at the Annunciation.
And finally, Gabriel says, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God."
If you believe that passage from scripture, then isn't it also reasonable to believe that God, for whom nothing is impossible, could conceive Mary without sin?
It wasn't only the state of being sinless that makes Jesus our Redeemer, but his divine nature shared with the Trinity that makes it possible. He IS God, and only God saves!
Indeed, it is good to ask questions about what we have been taught and learn from others as well.
Hope this helps.
Pray for peace, joy, and an end to war.
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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*Online Comment:
"I can give you one reason why we shouldn’t pray to Mary: Jesus. And that is the only reason needed. There are plenty of passages about Jesus being the one and only mediator, but this one stands out. And in context, it’s even more powerful.
“Prayer and Conduct. First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as ransom for all. This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle (I am speaking the truth, I am not lying), teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-7 NABRE
You say that Mary is not God. But only God is sinless. If Mary had no sin, then why didn’t she stand in and go to the cross? Why would Jesus be necessary?
Asking questions of what we are taught is important. And going to the Bible for answers is what we need to do. " Anonymous
