Catholics are thought that by praying to Mary, she can take the petition to her son Jesus; and since she is his mother, he will answer the request for her sake, especially because of the miracle of turning water to wine in a wedding occassion in Canan-Galilee; Jesus' first miracle initiated by Mary. There is even a slogan in the church that says: "To Jesus through Mary". The inference is that Mary is more compationate, understanding, and merciful than her son Jesus. Certainly this is contrary to the Scriptures! One noted Roman Catholic writer, Alphonsus Liguori, wrote at length telling how much more effectual prayers are, that are addressed to Mary rather than to Christ. (Liguori, incidentaly was canonized as a "Saint" by Pope Gregory XIV in 1839 and was declared a "doctor" of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX).

   In one portion of his writings, he described an imaginary scene in which a sinful man saw two ladders hanging from Heaven. Mary at the top of one; Jesus at the top of the other. When the sinner tried to climb the one ladder, he saw the angry face of Christ and fell defeated. But when he climbed Mary's ladder, he ascended easily and was openly welcomed by Mary who brought him into Heaven and presented him to Christ! Then all was well.
   The same writer said that the sinner who ventures to come directly to Christ may come with dread of his wrath. But if he will pray to the Virgin, she will only have to "show" that son "the Bosom  that gave him suck" and his wrath will be immediately appeased! Ref.: Hislop, The Two Babylons, p.158.
   Such reasoning is in direct conflict with a Scriptural example: "Blessed is the womb that bare thee", a woman said to Jesus, "and the paps which thou hast sucked." But Jesus answered, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:27,28). As far as the Word of God is concerned about prayers, He never made any emphatic statement saying believers can approach Him through any person. Be it Mary, the dead Saints, even the Angels. For Jesus in this sense will not share His glory neither with any man nor angel. But to confidently come to Him directly. The following Scriptures supports this: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 7:22-28; 1Timothy 2:5, to mention but few... So brethren, take away all unholy sentiments and embrase the Word of God rather than the doctrines of man. May we all rest in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

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Posted: at 1-06-2012 03:59 PM (12 years ago) | Newbie

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