How do Catholics explain 1 Tim 2:5?

[williamhill43]

In a discussion with my wife and sister in law about the differences between Protestants and Catholics. They always seem to rely on 1 Tim 2:5 as the verse against why Catholics seek mediation through Mary and the Saints when praying. How do I explain to them the value in Mary and the Saints when praying.

Bill
Columbia, SC

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, there is one mediator. Mary knows this, which is why she went to Jesus to change the water into wine (John 2:1-11).

The root meaning of the word “to pray” is “to ask or beg.” Praying to the saints does not mean we worship the saints, it means we are simply “talking” to them.

Right before St. Paul states that Jesus is the one mediator he says:

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…

• 1 Timothy 2:1-3

So did St. Paul contradict himself? When we pray for someone else are we mediators between God and other men? Of course not, we are simply praying for each other.

St. Paul also taught that we are members of one body and that we rely on each other (1 Cor 12). What better expression of being “one body” than to all be praying together?

The Bible is also filled with examples of situations where the prayers of the community or of a holy person were heard by God and answered. Abraham pleaded with God to spare any innocent people in Sodom and Lot was saved because God “remembered Abraham” (Genesis 19:29). It was Abraham’s prayer that saved Lot.

Praying to the saints is no different than asking someone you know to pray for you.