“For there is one God. There is also one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human . . .” 1 Tim 2:5 Many think that the practice of praying to the saints goes against the Bible, claiming that Catholics are making them mediators between God and man and thus diminishing Jesus‘ role as the sole mediator. But this is not an appropriate interpretation of the passage. In the Old Testament we see that Moses, Abraham, and Job interceded on behalf of others… that’s mediating between God and man. We know that it is okay to ask others here on earth to pray and intercede for us…. that’s mediating between God and man. So we have a situation here where a passage of the Bible is being misinterpreted and misunderstood. There is only one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ, but as members of the Body of Christ, He allows us to share in His mediation. Also, Scripture tells us that we have only one foundation, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11); but, Scripture tells us that there is more than one foundation (Eph 2:19-20). Scripture tells us that we have only Lord, Jesus Christ (Eph 4:4-5); but, Scripture tells us there is more than one lord (Rev 19:16). Scripture tells us that we have only one Judge, Jesus Christ (James 4:12); but, Scripture tells us there is more than one judge (1 Cor 6:2). These are not contradictions in Scripture, not when these passages are all properly understood in context. Jesus is the only foundation; Jesus is the only Lord; and Jesus is the only Judge. But, we are members of Jesus‘ Body. Therefore, we are able, according to the graces given by Christ, to share in Jesus‘ role as foundation, as lord, and as judge, and in other aspects of Christ, as well. Another example, a father shares in God‘s role as Father, by His grace. And, so also, we, and the saints in Heaven, and the angels in Heaven, can share in Christ‘s role as Mediator.” (CatholicsComeHome.org) Actually, we are all mediators of one kind or another. You are a mediator if you walk up to me and say, "Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?" (Although this is a nice sentiment, these words are not necessary to pray for salvation.) When Jesus was asked directly what must be done for salvation, what did He say? When Peter was asked on Pentecost how to gain what he preached, what does Peter tell the crowd? In neither of these cases does Jesus or Peter mention anything remotely similar to an altar call. If you ask me to pray for your sick child, then I am being a mediator for you. If your pastor stands before you on stage and tells you that he will conclude your worship service with a blessing, then he is mediating for all of you in your pews. So the next time a non-Catholic quotes 1 Timothy 2:5 saying we shouldn’t ask Mary or the saints to pray for us, or that we are not being biblical, please tell them you love that quote too, and that you are so grateful to have the Magisterium who guides us in interpreting scripture correctly. Remember, just because you can quote scripture, it doesn’t mean you are interpreting it correctly. Even the devil quoted scripture and used it for evil. It was Catholic popes and Catholic bishops in the 4th century who compiled the Bible, several hundred years after Jesus Christ started the Catholic Church. (The Church came before the Bible.) We are so grateful for Sacred Scripture, Holy Tradition and our Magisterium!
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:18:40 +0000
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