Why should we pray to Virgin Mary? The reasons are many.
Why do Catholics pray to Mother Mary? Is Rosary really powerful?
The intercession of Mother Mary is very powerful as Jesus cannot neglect His mothers commands.This can be proved by the first miracle Jesus did at the wedding at Cana. – (John 2:1-11). Mother Mary told Jesus “They have no more wine.” And what was the final result? He turned water into wine.
In “The Poem of the Man-God” by Maria Valtorta, she says that Jesus told her about this incident as “I did it for Mary”. This proves that the intercession of Mother Mary is very very strong.
Mother Mary was blessed with Holy Spirit abundantly. We can see this as we read “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:39-41) ; just by Virgin Mary’s greeting.
Listen to the talk from Apologetics on Mary, Purgatory and The Bible
What the angels thought on this matter:-
When angel appeared before Zechariah,father of John, angel just greets him by his name ,nothing more although he was “upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” – (Luke 1:6)
When angel appeared before Joseph, the greeting was like this: “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – (Matthew 1:20). Angel greeted him ‘son of david’, thats all.
Now let us see how did the angel greet Virgin Mary. It goes like this: “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). See the difference….
Also read the article Mary, The Mystical Rose
@Cheryl:
Why did you compare a prayer with your example of a earthly talk? Read again – both are different. What i have pasted is clearly a prayer request. Because you cant see or speak audibly to Mary, it is a prayer. The one you have written is just a “talk”.
@Ntoppo:
it is not necessary that your actions ALWAYS reflect your ACTUAL intentions.
Thanks bro for replying. But – What do you exactly mean by saying this? Are you trying to justify bowing to idols by saying this?
Let me bring another example – if i have sex outside marriage, will you turn a blind eye on me (we both being Christians) and tell within yourself “maybe God has seen his heart and there is no Fornication or Adultery in that in the sight of God. So i am not going to say to him anything.”
Can i justify myself saying “when u r hungry u eat. When u are climaxing ‘down there’, you meet.” Can i go on to say “fornication and adultery includes intimacy level whereas my case is different. I was just doing without having any intimacy”
So you expect even this act of “sex outside marriage” can be holy in God’s sight even though it appears unholy in men’s sight?
When God said – NOT to bow down, it means “not to bow down” whatever be the intentions. Or are you trying to insert new meaning into it? Have you turned a blind eye on what the Romans polluted our doctrines in the church by bringing such idol wworhsips? Read the bible my friend.
God bless
and how did you get this wrong idea that we giving place of god to Mary?
Manish you are totally wrong in saying that we are interceding to Mary and committing a sin, we are not interceding to Mary but to God through Jesus and to Jesus through Mary. its as good as you telling your own mummy, Mummy i m going for an interview today please pray for me. that’s all. please take out all the prejudices from your mind and reflect deeply.
also i ask question to one and all here. all those supporting honor to Mary and those oppose to it. everyone is telling that we must follow the bible. with regard to idol worship, honoring Mary or some other issues we are so strict in following bible. why are we all forgetting. the same bible says: do not judge others, the same bible says: love one another as i have loved you. Jesus intercedes for us in the Bible: father let them be one as we are one. we are wasting our time on those issues that divide us. let us take up the issues that unite us. and our faith in Jesus Christ must bring us together, other things i suppose, we must leave on everyone conscience, god has written his law in our hearts, let each one of us be judged according to our conscience. lets not pose ourselves judge over one another.
Manish i can tell you hosts of examples from bible where prophets and people are interceding for one another and you are mistakenly considering our lady as goddess or something, and we are considering her as our mother. we Catholics believe that even if our loved ones die, we still have spiritual union with them so souls in heaven can help souls on earth. and souls on earth and souls in heaven can also help souls in purgatory ( another controversial issue). so if you still not convinced, do not worry, its enough that you pray to Jesus, i don’t think he will be offended by it. and i also do not think that Mary will be offended either, because her sole intention is to bring people closer to Jesus ( we find emphasis on this in all her apparitions) and if this can be attained all by yourself without anyone’s help or prayer, well and good. i m posting here some of the examples where some people intercede to god for others hope it will help you.
A sermon on intercessory prayer
1. Several years ago I heard someone speak of “prayer warriors.â€
2. When I first heard that expression, it sounded strange.
3. Within the church we probably don’t hear this expression too often.
4. In the denominational world, this is a fairly common saying.
WHEN PEOPLE REFER TO PRAYER WARRIORS, THEY GENERALLY HAVE IN MIND WHAT WE MIGHT CALL INTERCESSORY PRAYER. THAT IS, PRAYERS ARE BEING OFFERED ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE.
a) The Bible has a lot to say about prayer.
b) One of the important points about prayer is praying for others (intercessory prayer).
c) From the Old Testament to the New, this is a definite point about prayer.
2) One of the earliest Bible characters was Abraham.
3) Abraham was a person who interceded for others.
4) We first see this in Gen. 17.
a) At the time described in Gen. 17, Abraham had a son (Ishmael).
b) This child had come through Hagar, and Abraham made intercession for him.
5) We see this by combining verses 18 and 20 of Gen. 17.
6) Abraham’s plea is recorded in verse 18 and God’s response is in verse 20.
7) READ Gen. 17:18, 20.
8) Abraham interceded for his son and God responded to this intervention.
9) In the very next chapter we find Abraham interceding again.
10) Heaven was preparing to destroy the area of Sodom and Gomorrah.
11) Abraham asked (Gen. 18:23) if God would destroy the righteous with the wicked.
a) Abraham was a man of courage. He did not hesitate to come before God with boldness.
b) He spoke to God with a passionate and good heart.
12) He was also an intercessor.
13) Verse 24 of Gen. 18 has him asking what God would do if 50 righteous people were in Sodom.
14) Verse 28 again has Abraham interceding for the people.
15) God’s servant asked that 45 righteous be enough to spare the city.
16) Then he interceded with a lower number (40), verse 29.
17) Instead of reducing the number by 5’s, he reduced it by 10.
18) He also asked about 30 righteous people (verse 30).
19) Then (verse 32) he asked if God would spare the city if 10 righteous people could be found.
20) Abraham interceded for others and God did respond very, very favorably.
a) Another great Bible character was Moses.
b) This man was also an intercessor.
c) Frogs had come upon the land of Egypt because of a divine plague.
d) Pharaoh begged Moses to get rid of the frogs because they plagued the land.
e) Moses said “okay; you tell me the time when you want the frogs to die.â€
f) Ex. 8:12 says Moses “cried unto the Lord†concerning the frogs—he interceded.
g) Verse 13 says “Jehovah did according to the word of Moses†(the intercession was answered).
21) Example after example can be found of intercession.
22) This type of prayer was done by Samuel (1 Sam. 7:5-13).
a) At the time described in 1 Sam. 7, the Philistines were about to make war with Israel.
b) God’s people (1 Sam. 7:7) were terrified of fighting these people.
c) We sing a song that is related to this event. In our song books we have the word “Ebenezer.â€
d) Here is one of the places where this word is found.
23) 1 Sam. 7:9-13 – READ.
24) God’s people sought intercession and the intercessor succeeded.
25) Another person to use intercession was Elijah, 1 Kgs. 17.
a) This prophet went to the house of a poor lady.
b) She had almost no food; it was just she and her son.
c) She cooked Elijah a meal and this prophet gave her an “automatic refill†on her groceries.
d) The food items she used to cook with were instantly and consistently replenished by God.
26) Verse 17 of 1 Kgs. 17 says a time came when the widow’s son became ill.
27) He died, and the mother was upset with the prophet.
28) Elijah made intercession for the son and it worked – verses 21-22 – READ.
IF WE LIMITED OUR STUDY TO THESE ACCOUNTS WE MIGHT THINK INTERCESSION WAS LIMITED TO OLD TESTAMENT TIMES.
a) Such a conclusion would be absolutely wrong.
b) Jesus spoke about intercessory prayer in the Sermon on the Mount.
c) WE find this in Mt. 5:44.
d) This verse shows that intercession is still right and it also has a place in the New Testament.
2) Mt. 5:44 – READ.
3) If we pray for our enemies and those who hate us, what are we doing?
4) We are interceding for them. God believes in intercessory prayer.
5) He believes in our using it for our enemies as well as fellow Christians.
a) In other places we are specifically told to intercede for our brethren.
b) Listen to what Paul said at the end of the Ephesian letter, 6:18.
c) He spoke about prayer and he told these Christians who to pray for.
d) Eph. 6:18 – READ.
6) “Supplication for all the saints†is found in God’s word—intercessory prayer.
7) When writing to a preacher (Timothy), Paul spoke about intercessory prayer.
8) 1 Tim. 2:1-2 says, READ.
9) We know that from Jas. 5:16 that we can and are told to “pray one for another.â€
10) While the wording is slightly different, the theme is interceding for someone in prayer.
WE CANNOT ARGUE THAT INTERCESSORY IS PART OF BOTH TESTAMENTS, THAT IT IS SOMETHING WHICH COMES FROM GOD, AND THAT IT WORKS.
a) Perhaps our greatest difficulty is stepping forwarding and saying four words: “please pray for me.â€
b) In the Bible we have several examples of people who sought intercessory prayer.
i) Certainly Pharaoh was looking for intercessory prayer.
2) We know this because of Ex. 9:28 and 10:17.
3) Pharaoh said to Moses, “entreat Jehovah†(intercede for me in prayer).
4) As I think about these references they both amuse and sadden me.
a) I can think of dozens of non-Christians who have said, “pray for me.â€
b) “Talk to God on my behalf—we would like someone to intercede for us.â€
c) Just last Friday two non-Christians called the building. Both were women.
d) Both are having difficult circumstances. Both said, “please pray for me.â€
e) The number of Christians who have asked for intercessory prayer has not been that high.
f) People from the world will often ask for intercessory prayer before members of the church will.
5) From time to time we need to remind ourselves that God’s people are entitled to intercessory prayer.
6) Num. 21:7 says Moses prayed for the people of Israel.
7) According to 2 Kings 19, King Hezekiah and the nation of Israel were in trouble.
8) This was during the time Isaiah was living, and Hezekiah dispatched a message to this prophet.
9) Hezekiah said, “pray for us.â€
10) Isaiah sent word back that said, “things are going to be okay.â€
11) Another good text for God’s people seeking intercessory prayer is Acts 12.
12) Peter was in jail. He was chained between two guards. There were other guards keeping him secure.
13) We do not know Peter was thinking regarding prayers from fellow Christians.
14) If I were in jail, I would hope that people would be interceding on my behalf.
15) Luke tells us that Christians were interceding for Peter.
16) Here is how it is stated – Acts 12:5 – READ.
a) Intercessory prayer was offered for this man. Did it work?
b) Yes it did. Peter was freed.
c) If we continue to examine this account, we find that many Christians were praying (verse 12).
d) It is good for one person to intercede, but we also have this example of many interceding.
17) There are not many times when we can turn to the denominational world and say, “they got it right.â€
18) When it comes to intercessory prayer, I wonder if members of the church have been poorly taught.
19) So little is said about intercessory prayer by us, but it is a hot topic in many denominations.
20) Interceding for others is right, it works, and it is part of God’s will for the Christian.
21) This kind of prayer helps both us and others.
22) we close with a simple question:
a) Are we a Christian who intercedes for others? Is that something we do on a regular basis?
b) If not, it is time to begin. We can be like Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and so many others.
c) If we have not yet become a Christian, then intercession may still be relevant.
23) Christians often intercede for non-Christians.
24) Requests are put forth to God to preserve the life of a non-Christian.
25) Petitions are sent to God asking that God’s word be allowed to sink into the heart of the unsaved.
26) Many of those intercessory prayers relate to a non-Christian becoming a Christian.
27) If there are those among us who are not Christians, you can be assured that intercessory prayer has been offered for you.
28) You may not know that, but it is true.
29) It is our hope and prayer that our communication with God will be answered with a yes.
30) sometime soon, you will obey the Bible steps to become a Christian.
32) If we need it in our life, or we know it has been done for us and we now want to make things right, come.
Of course, one can and should address Jesus directly in prayer; however, this does not negate Mary’s role. The question is a good one and possesses some complexity. All of the attributes of mercy and love attributed to Mary find their ultimate source in the Lord. The unity between the Mother and her divine Son is very intimate and unbreakable. Even when we address our prayers to Jesus or show him homage, we are also honoring his Mother and invoking her assistance. Mary rejoices when we come to her Son, no matter what the path. The Dominican priest, Fr. Jelly wrote that in this sense, even the most fundamentalist of Protestants are showing their respect to Mary in their devotion to Christ. Conversely, God is honored when we honor Mary. God loves us to honor Mary as a Father is pleased when his daughter is honored. All the honor we give to Mary is reflected back to God since we honor her for what He has done for her, with her, and through her. When we honor her, we honor Him. When Catholics address Mary, it is because there is something about her maternal qualities which soothe our souls and remind us of the great company of heaven– the home to which we hope to one day enter. Even in human families, the love and help of parents could just as well come from one parent or the other; but sometimes we want the strength of our fathers and at other times the feminine touch of our mothers. Mary is a creature, not God like her Son, and yet her abiding proximity and union to Christ makes her a fitting figure for our prayers. We reverence her, as we do all the saints, but true worship is addressed to God alone. Otherwise, we would fall into idolatry. Christ is our only mediator (1 Tim. 2:5-6) with the Father, but Mary can intercede (pray for us) with her Son Jesus. Jesus worked his first miracle at her request ( Jn. 2:1-12). Just as we can ask other members of the church on earth to pray for us (1 Tim. 2:1; 2 Tim. 1:3; Phil. 4:22), so too, can we ask members of the church in heaven to pray for us (Rv. 5:8; 6:9-11; 7:10-12; 8:2-6; Mt. 22:31, 32).
We are also called to imitation of Christ. Did Jesus follow the commandments? Sure. Including the fourth commandment? Yes. Then if Jesus honored Mary his Mother and took her direction seriously, would this commandment be abrogated in heaven? Further, if Mary is given to us as our Spiritual Mother, are we not to pay the same respect to her as he did– imitating Christ even in this? Yes. The honor we give Mary our Spiritual Mother in no way subtracts from the worship we give to God any more than honoring our earthly mother does. In fact, it conforms to God’s holy will, and we who are adopted sons of God honor her whom the Son honored.
2. Why must Mary intercede? And what if she doesn’t want to? Does that mean your prayers are not heard by Jesus? I guess this question goes for praying to all the Saints.
Why? How can she not? If you are watching a football game and the receiver gets the ball, are you not rooting him on to victory? The crowd becomes like one unified whole– shouting, singing, doing the wave, etc. This analogy offers but a pale point of reference to the role of Mary and the saints. We are all in this together– the journey from mortal to eternal life. The very definition of a saint makes what the division you suggest impossible. The sanctity of heaven implies the utter transformation of one into a new Christ– of one mind and will with our Lord. What he wants, they want. A little girl in church was asked one time for the definition of a saint. She looked at the figures in the stained-glass windows and replied, “Saints are those who allow the light to shine through.†Quite right! And the Light of the World is Christ, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, sin, and death. This process of conversion begins in this life; we can and should be perfected in holiness by the grace of God. We can be ever remade into Christ’s image. Heaven simply brings this development to its full conclusion. People who knew Mother Teresa said that to be near her was almost like being in the presence of Jesus– so fully did she manifest the living Christ in her faith and life. We can also become saints if we allow God to so work in our lives. We need to seek a restoration of all things in Christ, including ourselves. The question about division between the saints and Jesus says less about the heavenly hosts than about ourselves– our own brokenness and bondage to sin– our own refusal to fully embrace the Gospel of Life. Sometimes selfishness and hatred invade our prayers; such is never the case for Mary and the Saints. They are immaculate windows to the divine. Further, they are a part of us. The Church in Glory is inextricably united to the earthly Church in Glory and the Church in Purgation. The Mystical Body (Eph. 1:23; 1 Cor. 12:27) remains intact. The saints intercede for us precisely as perfectly conformed elements in this wondrous union. Death is not the end of love. This is at the heart of Christ’s resurrection– his Father’s Love (the Holy Spirit no less) restored him back to life. The family of God in heaven has not forgotten those of us still facing the trial. Love compels them to remember us and to pray for us.
3. Do Catholics pray to God, Jesus, Mary, Saints, and all of the above? How is praying to a saint different than praying to God? My Christianity claims that God will listen to all prayers. If Catholics believe that (do they?) Why are they praying to saints?
Some of these concerns I have already briefly addressed. Over the last two thousand years, Catholic Christians have done much discernment regarding prayer and spiritual matters. Obvious structures in our prayers have been formulated. Note that at Mass, most orations are addressed to God as Father. Oftentimes prayers will end with a statement that it is offered “through†Christ our Lord and with some possible mention of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is again and again affirmed as the one Mediator to the Father. We also believe in the Trinity: that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is important because certain modern-day Arians and Messianic Jews deny the divinity of Christ– a fact that would immediately alter prayer. God does listen to all prayers and as I have said before, the invocation of a saint to pray with us to God does not negate this reality. All prayer is properly addressed to God. If a prayer is answered, it is because of the intervention of God. Mary and the Saints have now power of their own– they are creatures; however, God has chosen to work closely with and in us. Your question here would better be rendered: what are the four purposes of prayer?
* Adoration: Proper worship of God due to Him as our Creator.
* Thanksgiving: Gratefulness to God for His gifts to us.
* Reparation: To obtain pardon for sins and to do penance.
* Petition: We ask for spiritual and physical goods.
I hope this helps to alleviate the confusion you have about the oldest form of Christianity and our prayer practices. And, again, I do hope you are sincere. Sometimes anti-Catholic fundamentalists ask questions, not because they honestly want to understand the faith, but because they hope to trip up ignorant Catholics as part of a prosletyzation effort. May the Lord Jesus bless and keep you.
i’m not here to justify idolatry or fornication or adultery. please read that question 291 once again. if you really had an open mind then you could say yes or no.
idolatry is more than “bowing down before a statue” just like adultery is more than “having sex”.
M’t:5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
“it is not necessary that your actions ALWAYS reflect your ACTUAL intentions.” what you think of yourself and others can’t be ALWAYS true on the basis of actions.
can you say for sure that i am worshipping Mary when i bow down before her statue? just bowing down is not worshipping, it can also be an act of showing respect, love and gratitude.
When God said – NOT to bow down, it means “not to bow down†whatever be the intentions. Or are you trying to insert new meaning into it? Have you turned a blind eye on what the Romans polluted our doctrines in the church by bringing such idol wworhsips? Read the bible my friend
it seems that you are born with the idea that “bowing down is an idolatrous action.”i don’t want to know what Romans did. you are just trying to prove your prejudices. Fundamentalism has no future, no scope, no depth. Pharisees had the same style of thinking as you do today. an example–
Lu:14:3-5 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
God in fact commanded to make images.
(Ex. 25:18–20) “And you shall make two cherubim of gold [i.e., two gold statues of angels]; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end; of one piece of the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be”
(1 Chr. 28:18–19) David gave Solomon the plan “for the altar of incense made of refined gold, and its weight; also his plan for the golden chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. All this he made clear by the writing of the hand of the Lord concerning it all, all the work to be done according to the plan”
(Ezekiel 41:17–18) 17 From the door to the inner part of the Temple, as well as outside, and on the wall all round, both inside and out,18 were carved great winged creatures and palm trees, one palm tree between two winged creatures; each winged creature had two faces:
19 a human face turned towards the palm tree on one side and the face of a lion towards the palm tree on the other side, throughout the Temple, all round “
Please refer comment # 284 by Fr. Johan Paul Gill. Do you get the prophesy mentioned there? I repeat here again because you don’t seem to read that and reply to that at all. Why is that? Anyway, During a plague of serpents sent to punish the Israelites during the exodus, God told Moses to “make [a statue of] a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it shall live. So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Num. 21:8–9).
One had to look at the bronze statue of the serpent to be healed.
That’s what we do. “we LOOK at the crucifix from our spiritual eyes†. We look and pray, talk to Jesus in our hearts, in our minds.
We ask intercession of Mother Mary and saints by looking at their images or without. They are in our hearts. There is no death for spirits. Only body perishes for a reason and even that will be united to the soul. You are better informed about heaven than I am. Yes , I very much believe in hell & purgatory too.
Catholics use statues, paintings, and other artistic devices to recall the person or thing depicted. In (Matt. 2:11) We read that when the magi were “going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh”
In the Old Testament, God had not revealed Himself so he forbade use of images. Then He revealed Himself in –Daniel 7:9: “As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was Ancient of Days took his seat; his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire.”
Even Holy Spirit revealed two forms as a dove & tongues of fire. Heard some protestants use biblical representations as pictures, greeting cards etc.! What’s with that? Even my best friend who is a protestant has pictures of passion of Christ! Which denomination do you belong to? Heard there are many..which will be ultimately saved? If others are going to be condemned to hell. There is only one Church right?
Finally, a protestant who kneels with a Bible in his hands when praying is worshiping the Bible or praying to it? Do you meditate the WORD Of GOD in it or worship the paper, book, ink?
@ Cheryl,
I very recently could connect the Rev 12 , Gen 3:15 and the mystery of birth of THE CHURCH at Calvary. : )
Will post the link when I come across it again.
Also there are wonderful mp3s by Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Every Catholic & willing non- Catholics should listen to them.
See you : )
Dani,
@Cheryl:
Why did you compare a prayer with your example of a earthly talk?
Because you seemed to be concerned with it’s contents.
Read again – both are different. What i have pasted is clearly a prayer request. Because you cant see or speak audibly to Mary, it is a prayer. The one you have written is just a “talkâ€.
So your concern is not the contents (if I could ‘see’ Mary, it would just be ‘talk’), but the fact that I can’t ‘see or speak audibly to Mary’? Well I can’t see and hear you, but somehow we’re having this conversation.
I can’t see where this is going? Catholics are not going to disobey their Mother (the Church) and Protestants are not going to veer (for reasons of conscience?), from their interpretation(s) of Scripture–So what’s the point in prolonging this thread? Georgy has written some great stuff elsewhere, maybe we can start an actual discussion on one of those–you know…one that leads to a real exchange of ideas. Here, we’re just ‘sounding off’ and I for one am finding it a poor use of time, not to mention spiritually/emotionally unbeneficial.
Does anyone really know why any of us keep posting lol?
Of course, one can and should address Jesus directly in prayer; however, this does not negate Mary’s role.
It does not negate? it does not exist in the first place. She hasnt promised to do any roles for us just like Jesus has promised. Its bcz Mary is not possible to promise you anything. Only Jesus can. Thats why Jesus promised to hear our prayers, answer us, promised to BE WITH US, said that He is the Only way thru which one can see God the Father etc. Mary HAS NEVER EVER done any such promises.
QuoteWe are also called to imitation of Christ.
Yes true. We are called to IMITATE Christ. IT never says that we BECOME the Christ. Are you saying that you can be God (by this reference)?
@Father: Are you trying to justify things you do out of the Bible with your traditional catechism teachings. Many of those teachings are anti-christian, anti-biblical. They are devilish, hell-bound.
Again:
why do you pray to a Creation rather than a Creator? Whom will u face in judgemtn seat – the Creator God Jesus or some created humans?
Its just grave injustice to the pain and suffering that our Lord Jesus alone endured while dying for you and me on the cross. What then has made you to obey the deceptions of the pagan traditions that have crept into our church?
Jesus is the only one who said: I am the Way.
What does Mary say ? Nothing.
Jesus said: No man can see the Father except THROUGH ME (JESUS) This is a promise too.
What does Mary promise us?
Jesus – he is our Creator God.
Mary – like all of us, a creation only.
Jesus – is alive in the resurrected body.
Mary – her body is rot in her grave here on earth just as all the saints of Christ.
Did she resurrect? NO.
Did Jesus resurrect? YES. Thats why He is the ONLY INTERCESSOR between God (heaven) and man (on earth).
Catholics are interested NOT in Jesus nor in following Him. But in following the traditions which is directly from the paganistic, devilish, straight from hell teachings. They exalt, pray, worship & pray to Mary, saints and that too, they worship THESE CREATIONS more than the Creator GOD JESUS. How big a earth shattering disgraceful injustice they do to our Lord Jesus. How conveniently they go to any extent to disobey Jesus and try to justify it with their pagan traditions!
Last but not the least – when you do all these to Mary, remember, its the devil who gets it – whether it be worhsip, prayer, or your request to her. Not Mary.
The points mentioned above are the reasons for that.
When I intercede for others, I don’t take the role of Jesus – role of standing between Man and God the Father.
Mary is not alive BUT she is asleep in Christ. Waiting for the trumpet blow to rise up in the resurrected bodies along with all other saints. Only Jesus Christ is resurrected from the dead as a FORERUNNER for us.
bye, God bless.
danioct@yahoo.com – perhaps if anyone would want.
Last but not the least When you do all these to Mary, remember, its the devil who gets it; whether it be worhsip, prayer, or your request to her. Not Mary.
The points mentioned above are the reasons for that.
if i asked him-“so all the healings, miracles at the places like Lourdes, Vellankani etc. have been performed by the devil?”
Dani would say- “yes” {although i know he is not brave enough to say yes or no}
(a blind man got sight at Lourdes, recorded event not a fake story, Louis BOURIETTE born in 1804, approved by International Medical Committee of Lourdes)
Me-“Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?”Jn 10:21
Dani- …..
what i have learnt is,”to reject God’s works saying those to be devilish is a sin against the Holy Spirit” which is unforgivable.
read Mark 3:22-30
Mk:3:29: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
Mk:3:30: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
commenting on this thread has really been tiresome and seems to be useless but perhaps it has somehow been helpful to some of my catholic brethren, i myself have learnt a lot by reading comments of both sides.
It has helped me and am sure there are many who don’t comment but still read the conversation.
My previous employers were protestants & I was the only Catholic there.They were trying to impose faith alone concept on me. That was the time I had just come out of my “atheism” – By the grace of Jesus. (that’s another big story). I would just say there is no God to myself, though I used to be a devote Catholic until I was 17-18.Because I was sick, broken, was a failure despite of all my efforts,prayers. ( I had cancer- I am healed now.It was a miracle, though I don’t remember whether I had called God or not – I’m still ashamed to confess this. But it was definitely my mom & sis’ prayers to God and intercession from Mother Mary and St.Paul (yes- He is our church patron saint. He is always there for me too).—I believe this happened with me to reveal John 9 – Jesus Gives Sight to A Man Born Blind gospel to me. Jesus did not just heal me, but gave me spiritual healing too.
After completion of studies, when I joined to my previous company I had great faith but since I had not studied Bible, I could not defend my Catholic faith. I started growing highly frustrated when things against Catholicism were being told by higher officials during casual chats. During that time, I actually clinged to Bible and turnbacktogod. Because I cannot interpret many things myself.
Eventually after 3 months I left that job. Anyway, when I resigned I did tell how much I am strong in my faith when they tried to say the same old story and some quotes. It’s very tiresome true.
Thanks everyone for providing great knowledge & faith. Also for the protestant views cuz, they make our faith stronger. I’m yet to read couple of comments from Fr. John Paul Gill, which I will read during weekend. Thank you Father.
Thanks again Georgy for the wonderful blog, I will be a frequent visitor here to read other posts.
Praise the Lord.
please update your ideas about Mary.
you are behind the times.
We do not worhsip her like a God but we give her, her due respect as the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wrong statement. Catholics are divided on this. Some say they worship (yea not some – but almost ALL). Some others say, they dont actually worship but only bow down. Catholics only bow down to the idol of Mary – naming that as reverence. Oh dear! I know you are innocent – it’s the Romans who brought these idol worships and Mary worships and indoctrinated your church. Not Jesus, not Peter, not any Jesus Apostles.
And for your info – devils too can perform miracles. These devils come thru people whom Jesus refers to as “false prophets”. Any healing from anyone else other than thru Jesus – is from the devil. I know many occults, wiccans, satanists too who performs miracles and healings. WHat do you say about that!
Friends – God completely forbids and condemns worship to Mary or saints, or praying to Mary or saints. It is a direct rebellion to the Word of God which says thus regarding worship and idol worhsips:
Matt. 4:10 We are to worship and serve only the Lord.
Acts. 4:12 Our salvation does not come from anyone but Christ.
Eph. 1:21 His name is above every name.
Rom. 14:11 Every knee shall bow to Jesus, not Mary
Phil. 2:10 At the name of Jesus (not Mary), every knee shall bow.
I have put the bible verses here – not my verses. None of Christ teachings EVER tell to worship her or pray to her. Praying to her – is DISHONORING her. SOrry to say that.
I can show MANY MANY more references for Catholics worship TO Mary, Prayer TO Mary, Bowing to Mary. And the catholics try to say what? When Jesus Christ is the Only one who took ALL your sins on the Cross – you say “pray to Mary, Bow to Mary, Hail to Mary” what?
How long will you rebel against God and continue this horrible sin. You defamed God by doing these things.
We have to give FULL respect to God’s people including Mary. If we worship her and pray to her – we DISHONOR her. Hell fire awaits such. Read the Bible to know more. The Word of God is God breathed.
I am from a non believer family and I think we should respect to a mother marry however what I believe that it was the Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sins ! I respect and Love mother marry as she has seen the death of her own son from her eyes but it was again a God’s plan because he didn’t want to see the death of thousand of his people or he didn’t want to see all of them going to hell.
That’s why he has given Jesus Christ.
Please tell me more that what is a reason to worship mother marry?
Thanks
Priyanka
Georgy
As you have mentioned earlier,
JOHN 19:26-27 — When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,†and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.â€
You know what people…. this clearly conveys that Jesus had forsaken Mary as his mother as he addresses her by the words “Dear woman”. Else if it was for any dying son who loved his mother, he would address his mother by calling her a mother. A good son would never give his mother the status of a simple woman while he is dying. People!! Here Jesus was Dying. And he called up his disciple and ordered him to take care of his mother mary and consoled his mother by gifting him another earthly son. That’s all what it is.
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the (God)Father but by Me(Jesus)â€.
Repent and confess Jesus and not Mary whom you should worship
PEOPLE LET GO OFF WHAT THE MEN TEACH YOU. FOLLOW WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES YOU. THE IDEA OF WORSHIPING MARY HAS ONLY BEEN DECIPHERED FROM THE TEST WITH THE HELP OF NUMEROUS REFERENCES FROM THE LINES OF THE HOLY BOOK. THE PURPOSE OF THESE WORDS OF THE BIBLE WAS NOT TO CONFUSE THE BELIEVERS AS TO WHO HAS TO BE WORSHIPED AND ADORED. THAT IS WHY THE BIBLE CLEARLY TALKS ABOUT WORSHIPING GOD AND GOD CAN ONLY BE WORSHIPED THROUGH JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS.
READ THE BIBLE AND THINK ABOUT JESUS, NOT ABOUT ANY OTHER NATURAL OR SUPERNATURAL BEING. JESUS LOVES YOU ALL. FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS. ADMIRE HIS WAYS. THANK HIM FOR WHAT HE IS AND WHAT HE HAS MADE YOU. BELIEVE IN JESUS AND TRUST HIS FAITH.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND SHOW THE LOST ONES THE WAY.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
AMEN!!
As an American citizen whose country is only approx. 200 yrs removed from a monarchial government (which still exists), I can’t help but scratch my head and wonder:
When these individuals see someone bowing or kneeling, why do they automatically assume these are gestures of worship? It’s common even today, to bow before others as a sign of respect. Before my Grandmother passed away, I use to kneel beside her, because love and respect prompted me to do so. If anyone came up to me and said, “Get up Cheryl, you’re to worship God alone!”, I wouldn’t know whether to laugh or cry-the idea that I was worshipping my Grandmother would be so far out in left field, I wouldn’t know what to make of it! I have also knelt before my Father’s tombstone to pray. Am I worshipping my Father? Of course not, the idea is absurd. If I bring fresh flowers to place at his grave am I presenting to him ‘sacrificial’ offerings? The idea turns my stomach! Is the tombstone an idol of my Father, because it has his name written thereon? No. What about tombstones, that has an actual picture of the deceased embedded in the stone? Are they idols? No. If a mother comes and kneels at the gravesite of her dead son, on whose headstone, his photo has been embedded, is she then worshipping him? Of course not. I’ve seen pictures of people laying prostrate on the ground before a tombstone of their deceased loved-one. They’re not worshipping, they’re grieving. Coming back around to the idea of respect, if an English woman bows before the Queen, is she worshipping her? No. If a man bows before a lady he has come to ‘court’ as was frequently done in the 1800s and before, is he worshipping her? No. It’s simply the proper show of respect when in the company of a lady for that time. (Watch a Jane Austin movie…Sense and Sensibility with Kate Winslet is great).
I have tons of photos showing people bowing, kneeling, prostrating, ect. when worship is not the intended idea being conveyed. I wish I could upload them, so that you could actually see them with your own eyes. Perhaps when I get time, I’ll upload them to my own blog. Nevertheless, I am baffled at the accusations.
That’s all I wanted to say.
to those who still embrace what the popes and priests taught about mary please do make a visit to this site and read it sincerely.
http://www.divinerevelations.info/Documents/Prepare_to_meet_your_God/index.htm
may the good LORD JESUS CHRIST opened your mind to understanding that you may know the truth and be freed from the lies that the devil entrapped you.
It’s a shame catholics really belive this – what bible are they reading – it’s definitely not the KJV – Mary is dead and the dead no nothing – she cannot pray to Jesus for anyone – the bible clearly states there is one mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus – NOT mary. Jesus sais if you ask the Father in His name Jesus – not Mary’s. Wake Up!!!
God bless as you joyously celebrate His resurrection.
I urge all of you to know the real power of the Holy Rosary. Please read this article : https://www.turnbacktogod.com/power-of-the-rosary/
I hope all your doubts are cleared by now.
Jeanne Ross
One boy speaking to the wisemans to listen….
“I came to this world through my mother, and she help me from my chilhood with very kind,love,mercy and she fullfilled my all needs. now I can able to do anything in this world I work I do whatever, may be I got a partner in my life, But Still I can not forget my mother I can not say to my mother now I don’t want you, because she my mother always…..”
you think thats why jesus said to this world from the cross “Dear woman, here is your son,†and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.â€
If you respect heavenly father then you will respect your father at home, If you not respect heavenly mother mary you do not respect your mother at home.
think and just say hail mary full of grace you will feel the anointing of the kingdom of God.
I’m so glad the Lord saved me and washed me in his blood. I’m so glad I can go to God the Father through Jesus – not man or Mary.. I’m so glad I don’t need rosary beads to pray because the bible says not to use vain repetition and I can talk to God from my heart and not use some manmade prayer .. I’m so glad Jesus is in my heart and I have a personal relationship with Him – I’m so glad the bible says Thou shalt have no other gods before me or bow down to statues – but I bow my knees to the true and living God… I’m So Glad He said Know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free!!
Happy Easter to you too Cheryl and to everyone around.
God Bless.
@ Priyanka #317
Please go through the article referred in the comment #323.
We do not worship Mother Mary. You will find abundant resource to testify this from Catholic point of view in the series of comments posted here. Take your time.It is complex :-) Do not take the literal meaning of any verses..Mother Mary is a mystic rose.”The woman” who crushes the head of serpent.
My prayers for you.
God bless you.
@Cheryl says:
But it is my fervent prayer that every Protestant here makes peace with the Catholic Church
Analyse the protester here:
God said not to make any idols for yourselves – but Catholics make idols of Mary and saints. You protest to God! (In the case of seraphims and the bronze serpent, it was God who instructed these makings. But God did not instruct to make idols of any others! He rather instructs clearly NOT TO MAKE any idols. Neither Bow down to them.)
God said – not to bow down NOR worship any graven images. But the catholics – bow down AND worship the graven image. What is this act called? Protest! More accurately – a DIRECT REBELLION against God. Still the Catholics call those who obey the Word – protestants? Go ahead! Who stops u or who wants to stop you! My friend – even the devil accuses those who follow Him. He doesnt accuse those who worship Mary bcz he knows very well that it (Mary worship) is one of his own inventions.
@Preethi: abt your comment on the seed of the woman on #327. Here, i am putting the verse for all to read:
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” -Genesis 3:15
WHo will bruise the head of the serpent? Who will crush the head of the serpent?
The verse refers that person is the seed of the woman. That is Jesus Christ! not Mary.
The ONLY power we have is in the Holy Ghost – show me in scripture where it says that we can ask mary to pry to Jesus mary and the rosary – if you cannot back it up by scripture then it’s a lie. The catholic church is deceived and deceiving it’s followers.
Mary was favoured “AMONG WOMEN” not “ABOVE WOMEN”
Do You know about the “MAGNIFICAT”, in it, Mary herself needs a Savior…
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
(Luke 1: 41-45).
Don’t worry cheryl, i’m gonna pray for you. That someday, you will realize the truth and not waste the abilities that God has given you. Please, read the Bible all over again especially the Gospels and be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit:)
May i ask, why do you call Mary the Queen of Heaven again? its like putting her beside God Himself. that’s just plain horrible.
Dani, I don’t know what else to say. I understand that you see the Church as a pagan institution. I acknowledged that in my previous post. You don’t need to keep repeating yourself. It’s just painful to read because these accusation (as well-meaning as they are), are false and I feel like no matter what we (Catholics say), we’re just going to keep getting hammered by the same accusatory remarks. It’s becoming a broken record and I for one can’t bear it any longer. After this post, I will no longer respond.
May the God of our Fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the God of our Mothers, Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel, bless and keep you. May He always smile upon you and fill you with His grace unto eternal life with Him.
Blessings to All.
Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.”
Perhaps Bible’s we follow are different.Let us not keep ” who gave the Bible to world?” question suppressed.
Let us emphasize on – “enmity between thy seed and her seed”.
We call Mary as our Mother. Jesus gave her as our mother on Calvary. We who call her as mother are her seed. Period.
@ monster & devil’s advocate & evangelist
Mary crushes serpent’s head filled with proud with her humility.
I won’t follow anymore comments.I would have if there was a healthy discussion and not same accusations without even following what we write.
Peace to you all.
I meant “let us keep…the question” on Bible that we follow.
Peace
To Dani, read Isaiah 56:8-9.
If you do not like the rosary do not say we are sinning and we will go to hell coz that is judging and there is only one Judge! Remember God’s way and thinking is different from man’s!
Revelation 12:1, “And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars…”
That certainly looks like a queen whose Son will rule the nations.
I wonder if advocate & evangelist and also monster the same person. LOL. just a thought. Sad you call yourself “advocate” which I’m sure you have taken from Holy Spirit’s name. And evangelist!. *chuckles*
anyway,
Peace
Addeline: I would want to study this before commenting. Also, it’s not judging – the word judges us all – I believe in the Bible for Genesis to Revelation and no where have i found about praying to Mary or to dead saints. We can only pray to God through Jesus.
John 16:23 Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name (Jesus), he will give it you.
florence – we honor mary for being the mother of Jesus but that’s it I do not pray to her. and she is not “my” mother and i’ve seen lately that the catholic church is teach that she was God’s wife – that’s a lie.
Scripture says in 1Timothy2:5 says”For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
Its not Mary,Jesus mother in earth..not any Apostles..Its only our Jesus who stand beween God and us..
After reading Bible also..y u people still go on behind person who cannot hear r see?
your reason y to pray Mary is wrong!
dont fool people who comes new to Jesus!
John:We do not put BLESSED MOTHER before JESUS or GOD we know the only way to GOD is by JESUS, but we do reconize the BLESSED MOTHER as the mother of our SAVIOR, JESUS had 9 months to become one in is mother she is also the flesh of CHRIST and GOD will not see her body cruupt at death so he took her body and soul to HEAVEN. We do not replace BLESSED MOTHER over our LORD, but we do respect who she is.
Your comment to John where does it say in the Bible that God took mary’s body and soul to heaven – there are only 2 people in the bible recorded that did not die a natural death Enoch ahd Elijah – after Christ was crucified we do not hear anything more about mary – like i’ve said before show me scripture then i’ll believe it. When Jesus died on the cros and said John behold thy mother – he didn’t say “world” or all people behold your mother – he was having compassion for her because he was leaving her in the hands of the disciple he loved. praying to the dead is witchcraft or soothsaying.
dear evangelist please read John chapter 14,15,16
Jesus is speaking to those 11 desciples not to us!!!
Joh:16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth
you people mention this verse saying that Spirit guides you, as Jesus told his desciples. but when Jesus said something to his beloved desciple John, you say that it’s not for us.
what a cunning logic
1 more thing
Jesus is our Brother. read your Bible. if you are unable to find the verse, i will show you.
Florence: De last line as u said “but we do respect who she is”
yes,v have to respect her..but for that v cannot keep an image of her in so called Church and bow to that rt?
Like Mary there r many people in mentioned in Bible..Abraham,David..who r great persons in our history lived and died for Lord.r u worshipping them too?
dont go by ancestors of wt they doing..seek the truth and it will set u free:-)
Preethi: u quoted as “Mary crushes serpent’s head filled with proud with her humility”
I never came across this line in Bible anywhere.
can u give reference r tell me how u can tell this?
dont go by wt people says…rather go wt God says in Bible
Evangelist: ur comments r correct..Please help them to see the correct path
ntoppo – i’ve read those chapters many times and the Bible is for the saints – yes he was talking to his disciples – but the Word of God is for us the born again beliver – what are you saying? plz explain what did jesus say to john?
not sure which scripture you are talking about referring to brother i.e. Matthew 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Jesus was using this to let them know this was spiritual rather than natural. Whosoever do the will of the Father – we are spiritual sons and daughters.
More important Jesus is our Lord, Saviour, Redeemer, High Priest and we should reverance Him as such – Jesus was driving home a point – I would never consider Him on the level of my natural brother
@ John
I have supported my comment already.
Funny, I never said “that” particular line I said is in Bible. Whatever you “claim” is not in Bible too.
When we say Rosary which is perfectly derived from Bible and we even give references to that, non Catholics divert from that and again bring the same issue of your interpretation, same quotes.
Catholics have given Bible references for all the questions put forth. But for none have we got feedback. And the spiral continues.
WHY and WHY our questions are unanswered? If you have patience( I don’t have anymore) please refer previous 300+ comments, answer questions left unanswered.That would be great.
:-)
Preethi
Preethi :U didnt get my question..I asked you with wt proof u mentioned that statement..i know u didnt tell in Bible point of view..
Am a Roman Catholic by birth..later i found the principles and faith in RC is different form wt the Scripture says..and i can give answers from Bible point of view.
AMEN John – thank God for a witness – what church do you attend now – what happened to make you realize the truth? I am pentecostal and when the Lord saved me he places me with COGIC
Preechi – whatever “prayer” the catholics pray Hail mary – Jesus did not tell “us” to pray this – that was the greeting mary got when Gabriel came to her – it was not intended to be used as a prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus, Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
and Jesus also told them – Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, Saying the rosary is vain repetition – saying the same thing over and over again
please read post #121 SELVAKUMAR.S