Dear Catholic Exchange:
I have a few friends who are “Bible Christians.” They have no problem with me being Catholic ,but when it comes time to defend my faith, I usually don't know what to say. For example, when they ask why we use saints as intercessors instead of praying directly to God I have no response. Could I use Philemon 1:5 or Ephesians 3:18 to answer them? Are there other verses in the Bible I can use to respond? They also ask the same question about Mary. How can I answer them?
Stephen Houle
Dear Stephen,
Peace in Christ!
As our FAITH FACT on the communion of saints explains, asking the saints to pray for us is similar to asking those here on earth to pray for us. The saints in heaven are part of the one Body of Christ along with us. Nothing, not even death, can break that union between Christ and His body and the members with one another (cf. Rom 8:35-39). Everyone who is “in Christ” (2 Cor 5:17) participates in His life not only on earth, but even more fully in the glory of heaven.
In addition, our FAITH FACT What’s a Mother To Do?”, discusses the special role that Mary has in our salvation. What many fail to understand is that Mary’s participation in salvation history as Mother of Christ and Mother of Christians does not diminish the unique mediation of Christ; rather, it points to Christ’s unique mediation and reveals its power.
Finally, you will most likely need to point out that Catholics do not worship or adore Mary the Mother of God and the saints. Rather, we honor and praise Mary and the saints because of their great love and faithfulness to God. For more on this, please see our FAITH FACT Honor Thy Mother.
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