How does Marian devotion save?

[GaryTaylor]

Take a good look at the apparition and miracles of Our Lady of Zeitoun, Cairo 1968-1970.

The a Blind Man was cured, Polo was cured in one Lady who was afflicted from Birth, Cancer of Breat was cured in another Lady with the body tissue left next to the bed, no incision mark, and a Towel left over her with the Sign of the Cross in Blood? A caregiver witnessed her the previous night talking to the Blessed Mother in the room with her.

And then theres the next approved apparitions in 2000-2001. in Egypt again witnessed by thousands of all faiths including many Muslims and Athiests just as in Zeitoun.

The only explaination documented was the Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared. In the case of Zeitoun every witness proclaimed the exact same experience of the Blessed Mother. In front of Thousands over a two-year period of time.

Not even to mention Fatima which again Thousands witnessed the Miracle of the Sun, which was a many Apparitions, confirmed by a Miracle?

You hear Toby above talk about Mexico, yet not in great detail. Again a miracle which basically converted a country to one religion?

Debating Scripture becomes another issue. The first mention of Mary in the Holy Bible is in Genesis 3:15…“I will put enmity between thee and the Woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel”

This prophesy is a promise of a Woman, “the Blessed Mother”, who will be the enemy of the Serpent “sin”. And the same women being victorious over the Devil, at least through her offspring. The woman being a symbol of the church, the hostilities being spiritual and between Satan and the Woman-Our Lady.

Lets start here, since its the first mention of Mary. How else could you interpret this passage, other than that just explained? I have noticed that by non believers Mary just magically becomes deleted from this passage, “totally” overlooked and the war becomes between God and Satan.

First thoughts that have to be agreed upon is how to interpret the Bible? All passages must be interpreted literal “first”. Then if this cannot possibly make sense, then and only then do we look for alternative interpretation.

Now while there is a Protestant Interpretation, a Catholic Interpretation, and then there’s the Jewish interpretation? ALL different. All could be debated till the cows come home {and they don’t come home}

Next we look at what reality dictates to us? Well theres significant evidence to establish the Blessed Mother Mary as very real from the 1700, 1800. 1900. and 2000’s? Now “if” all these Miracles and Apparitions were “only” with catholics? I’d say theres a real problem here. But thats not at all the case. In fact all religious beliefs have witnessed this and confirmed it including Athiests. And there have been Muslims healed and converted as well as non believers of faith and others. So Marys concern for the World becomes very clear?

Are there specific Miracles which are not related to Mary and to Jesus/God? Of course there are, that would be a fools argument to disagree. But its very apparent the Mary has been established quite well as "The Holy Blessed Mother " I might add, in this world, “today”.

Mary desires all mankind to be saved through her to Jesus/God. Not just Catholics, but sinners and those with no-faith. Jesus “is” the redeemer, and Mary Co-Redeems and not only does she co-redeem, she inspires us to co-Redeem through her and Jesus. Which is the exact purpose of this Catholic Faith. And this becomes one heck of a burden to bear in this faith, and she makes no deception in telling us this. She tell us the closer you are allowed to come to her and God, the more Grace that is, thus trial and weight and responsibility is placed upon you to fulfill her request? Our grace and devotion in Mary is used as she wills to interceed in whom she wills for the Grace of God. And rightfully so.

God Bless, GT

 

[GaryTaylor]

I also wish to reply because the rosary helped me to know Jesus. It is impossible to attend daily mass for all people. What else they can do is, read bible or rosary from home.

Exactly what I did is the choice of rosary. That lead me to daily mass, confession, receiving holly communion daily, starts read bible etc… If you don’t want to know Jesus, you can think like this way… But if you wish to Know Jesus, then the best option is to select Mary as a short cut.

And in all time, Mary told to obey his Son and his words not to follow her or worship her. So she is ONLY a way… On rosary, we are repeating the words, the Gabriel addresses Mary… That means, during rosary, we are saying the words in the BIBLE. All Bible words has its own power and when you repeat the same, it surely strengthens you.

Amen, and there are countless individuals with similiar testimony. And the more you look at her Grace the more of a love you build for her and the Trinity. Really is amazing how this works. All you have to do is pick up the Rosary and give it a Honest effort. She “will” interceed in your life.

 

[geekborj]

When you pray to Mary, you are praying to all the Saints in heaven! She is considered the Queen of Heaven by the Catholics.

Now, if “she” or any devotion to “her” does not lead you to the Eucharist (that is, Jesus), then “she” or “her” is not Mary!

 

[Doxiemom]

Can’t seem to understand how one arrives at this assumption. In the New Testament God specifically chose Mary to come to “us”. And without a doubt he expects us to come to him through Mary, to Jesus to God. Could he do whatever he wants? Of course he can he’s God.

But are you really willing to gamble with your Soul? I suggest you make an honest attempt at actually Praying the Rosary and giving it a solid effort. I believe you’ll change your mind.

I also understand that everyone just doesn’t get this. Its a Grace from God. But one point is a definate. You are “not” going to get it without a sincere effort.

You know this comes back to you, no matter how you look at it. Nobody was told to beat Mary into anybodys head. We chose to go to the Blessed Mother because through the Grace of God thats where our faith has led us. And thanks be to God.

But I understand the thinking. I made that mistake for many years. I honestly didn’t think I had to do anythng, but pray to God. And I was hitting my head against the wall for many years. “God” finally said, “Look Dummy, I’m gonna show you the way” And here I stand today. Preaching the very thing which I couldn’t conceive for eternity.

There also were not many along the way telling me to try this. Though there were a few who did make mention of it. Little different here. There are many willing to make an effort to lead you to the truth which definatly evades you. I hope you find the truth. I’ll pray for you to find Mary.

And again its a Grace, everyone just does not receive. And from observation exactly what I have witnessed is just what you see happening on this Post. Many chose to stick to their stubborness and not seek Mary. And it just goes right overhead. Not a big mystery, I get it. Though I am gratefull for those who found the Blessed Mother. Because theres not a doubt in my mind that she removes “all” stumbling blocks through recitation of the Rosary.

Let me make this clear; Those who are in heaven are as alive as we on this side of death. I am not opposed to intercessory prayer, by either the living her or in heaven. And that includes Mary. We need all the help we can get. At least i do.

Prayer never hurts. Asking for mary to pray for you is fine.

But it cannot go beyond that.

 

[Ryan_Herft]

To Moon, My Fair Lady (and to our many Christian friends who access this forum),

You obviously have great a difficulty in trying to understand or accept how Catholics (and by implication all those who belong to Eastern Rite, Greek and Russian Orthodox Churchs’) could honour Mary and practice holy devotion to her in the manner that we do. Opposition to devotion to Our Blessed Mother is the most common argument put forward by non Catholic Christians, and undoubtedly one which is a major impediment for some of you who may be contemplating entering into the Catholic Church. There is a book titled ‘Evangelicals and The Mother of God’ written by a southern Baptist Theologian named Timothy George, in which he examines the various titles of Our Blessed Lady which you may find interesting and helpful.

It is apparent that most present day Protestants (be it those who profess an extensive knowledge of scared scripture and those who don’t), will only go as far as acknowledging Mary as being someone special, a good and holy woman who was chosen to bring forth into this world through the Holy Spirit, Jesus, the Redeemer. Unfortunately, both groups fail to realise why devotion and honour to Mary is considered by Catholics to be natural and proper, where we acknowledge the fact that Mary is the one Human being chosen by The Father and elevated over all creation. Any misunderstanding or perceived any anti-Mary mindset harboured by Protestants (especially among professed Bible only Christians) in this regard, stems from lack of fully appreciating Mary’s role in salvation history and the extraordinary graces and tremendous honour God bestowed on her. (Incidentally, it is said that John Calvin himself referred to Mary as the TREASURER OF GRACES).

I would like to give our many Christian friends a little test which requires just a simple a yes or no answer:
Was Jesus truly Human?
Was Jesus truly Devine?
Is Jesus God – the third person of the Blessed Trinity?
Did He have a Mother?

Now if you answered YES to all the questions, then Mary is the Mother of God. Right? And this Holy title bestowed on Mary as ‘Mary Mother of God’ was proclaimed by the Fourth Ecumenical Council - The Council of Ephesus in the year 431. (For those of you whose faith is driven and guided by sacred scripture only, don’t look for mention of this in the NT), but Catholics believe that this ruling of the Church was Sprit inspired, as are all doctrines and dogmas proclaimed by the Catholic Church – the church of Peter and the Apostles). So if all Christians believe that Mary is the Mother of God (and not confine her to just some woman whom God choose to use in His Grand Design of Salvation and then discard after she had fulfilled His purpose), it seems perfectly logical to accept that the Father in his infinite Love and Goodness and Wisdom did grant Mary her Immaculate Conception, Her Perpetual Virginity - Mary Ever Virgin - and Mary’s Glorious Assumption, Body and Soul into Heaven. It would be irrational and ungracious to accept that Jesus would allow Mary his Mother to lie in an Earthly grave waiting for the resurrection?

In relation to the topic, many posters commented that they believe Mary always leads us to Jesus. I think that this fact has been amply manifested even on this thread (and I have read every post on the subject), where among the hundreds of posts, Mary has taken a back seat, in a manner of speaking, and where it is evident that commentary for the most part has been directed toward Jesus and Scripture and the apostles.

Moon, you state in one of your many posts and I quote “……But there is not found in unbelieving Judaism a following of Mary as you say occurs in unbelieving Islam and pagan Hinduism” end quote.

Now both you and I could have been born into Muslim or Hindu family where we would have been taught to believe our religion as being the true faith, and we might have enthusiastically proclaimed it and vehemently defended it. We may never have had an opportunity to learn about Jesus. Does this then mean that salvation eludes us and we don’t enter into heaven? No, God is the ultimate judge as to how we live our lives according to His inner voice i.e. our conscience. I am certain that in heaven there will be people of all races and religions and cultures. All of humanity has been made in the image and likeness of God - everyone of other faiths too!

So if Muslims and Hindus are getting to know about Mary and they are partaking of or interested in displaying sort of honour to her then that is a good thing because Mary will sooner or later lead them to Jesus and obtain through her intercession, graces for their conversion.

I believe that any honour given to Mary is pleasing to the Blessed Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I also believe that ultimately Marian devotion saves!

Long after myself and everyone on CAF have left the planet, and whether other people like it or not, future generations of Catholics until the end of time will accept and believe all the dogmas and doctrines of the Church pertaining to Mary the Blessed Virgin, and will continue to honour Mary and practice a great devotion to her.

Mary, Mother of God, Ever Virgin pray for us.

God Bless

 

[moondweller]

Let me make this clear; Those who are in heaven are as alive as we on this side of death. I am not opposed to intercessory prayer, by either the living her or in heaven. And that includes Mary. We need all the help we can get. At least i do.

Prayer never hurts. Asking for mary to pray for you is fine.

But it cannot go beyond that.

Beyond that?

In respect to prayer, God’s Word (the theopneustos Scriptures) tells us that in heaven there is one mediator between God and men, {the} man Christ Jesus (1Tim. 2:5). And as High Priest He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb. 2:25). Scripture reveals no other heavenly mediator or intercessor for men on earth - no other.

Yes, prayer never hurts, but prayer must be addressed to Someone who can actually hear it, else it’s useless, it’s impotent. Prayer in and of itself does nothing. It must be addressed to Someone who has the power to hear it and authority to act on it. If not, prayer then does “hurt” because it can not help.

 

[moondweller]

Unfortunately, both groups fail to realise why devotion and honour to Mary is considered by Catholics to be natural and proper, where we acknowledge the fact that Mary is the one Human being chosen by The Father and elevated over all creation.

We know according to Scripture that she was chosen to bear the Christ Child and because of this every generation will call her “blessed.” But where does it say that the Father “elevated” her over all creation?

I would like to give our many Christian friends a little test which requires just a simple a yes or no answer:
Was Jesus truly Human?
Was Jesus truly Devine?
Is Jesus God – the third person of the Blessed Trinity?
Did He have a Mother?

Now if you answered YES to all the questions, then Mary is the Mother of God. Right?

Well, I answered no to one of them.

And this Holy title bestowed on Mary as ‘Mary Mother of God’ was proclaimed by the Fourth Ecumenical Council - The Council of Ephesus in the year 431.

The Council convened to affirm the deity of the Child the woman bore, not to define the motherhood of the woman. Theotokos literally means God-bearer. The term was employed to affirm the Child’s deity, to exalt the Child; not to exalt the one who bore Him. The Council wasn’t about Mary.

(For those of you whose faith is driven and guided by sacred scripture only, don’t look for mention of this in the NT), but Catholics believe that this ruling of the Church was Sprit inspired, as are all doctrines and dogmas proclaimed by the Catholic Church – the church of Peter and the Apostles). So if all Christians believe that Mary is the Mother of God (and not confine her to just some woman whom God choose to use in His Grand Design of Salvation and then discard after she had fulfilled His purpose), it seems perfectly logical to accept that the Father in his infinite Love and Goodness and Wisdom did grant Mary her Immaculate Conception, Her Perpetual Virginity - Mary Ever Virgin - and Mary’s Glorious Assumption, Body and Soul into Heaven. It would be irrational and ungracious to accept that Jesus would allow Mary his Mother to lie in an Earthly grave waiting for the resurrection?

This is quintessential circular reasoning. So very often on this forum the term “circular reasoning” is erroneously applied to someone’s response, so if anyone wants a really good example to save for future reference of what “circular reasoning” really is, copy, past and save in a text editor.

Moon, you state in one of your many posts and I quote “……But there is not found in unbelieving Judaism a following of Mary as you say occurs in unbelieving Islam and pagan Hinduism” end quote.

Now both you and I could have been born into Muslim or Hindu family where we would have been taught to believe our religion as being the true faith, and we might have enthusiastically proclaimed it and vehemently defended it. We may never have had an opportunity to learn about Jesus. Does this then mean that salvation eludes us and we don’t enter into heaven? No, God is the ultimate judge as to how we live our lives according to His inner voice i.e. our conscience. ** I am certain that in heaven there will be people of all races and religions and cultures**. All of humanity has been made in the image and likeness of God - everyone of other faiths too!

You have just denied the gospel message of salvation and the words of Jesus who said,:“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn. 14:6).

So if Muslims and Hindus are getting to know about Mary and they are partaking of or interested in displaying sort of honour to her then that is a good thing because Mary will sooner or later lead them to Jesus and obtain through her intercession, graces for their conversion.

Proof? And based on what you stated above, no conversion needed.

I believe that any honour given to Mary is pleasing to the Blessed Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Proof?

I also believe that ultimately Marian devotion saves!

A belief which is nothing short of heresy. :crying:

 

[jpink1019]

I also believe that ultimately Marian devotion saves!

what? I don’t understand… Only Christ saves.

 

[rtibs]

what? I don’t understand… Only Christ saves.

I don’t mean disrespect, but answers had been amply provided by many posters on this thread which shed light on the Catholic understanding of how devotion to Mary could ultimately save. It may help to go back to the original post. God bless you.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Let me make this clear; Those who are in heaven are as alive as we on this side of death. I am not opposed to intercessory prayer, by either the living her or in heaven. And that includes Mary. We need all the help we can get. At least i do.

Prayer never hurts. Asking for mary to pray for you is fine.

But it cannot go beyond that.

And there nothing wrong with this. Its just not my experience. I also believe that there are very good people here on Earth. Who without a doubt have sinned less in life than myself. Does the fact that I acknowledge God, the Trinity, Mary and the Saints as my savior’s conclude that being covered by the Lords hand, is in fact the “only” way to Gods Heaven?

Well again we reach a very real argument. I only know and believe what I am taught, and thus observed to be true. And what has consistantly worked for me through trial and error. And this is what “all” our lifes consist of?

When we as humans look at the other 1500 religions that exist on Earth. Can we honestly say that these people are automatically condemed, though many live a just life. Many are GOOD people, are humble, marry one woman and are faithfull and just to her. They don’t wage war with nature and believe in the sanctity of life. Yet we are taught that Jesus will claim mankind as his and form one religion at the second coming. And we are taught for example what Mark said in scripture 16:16. So it becomes very difficult to know what the fate is for others who live a just earthly life. In the end, will God save those just beings? He is the redeemer, and is a just God.

What I hold fast to and preach to others is what [as I mention above] I have learned and preceived to be true. Which is the Catholic Faith and life with and through Mary. And also as I mention here and other threads, this hasn’t always been my thinking. Finding the Blessed Mother was a long time coming for me. Even though I acknowledged her in the Catholic Faith. I did not really pray to her. Oh I said an occasional Hail Mary. Yet I was really always talking to God in my state of mind and being. Which is very different than my spiritual being today. And today I feel more comfortable in faith than I ever have. Matter of fact, I never “really” found comfortabilty in Faith before acceptiing the entire Catholic teachings as “the Way”.

But hey were not gonna beat anything into anyone. Your not gonna convince anyone of anything by treating them in any way but with respect. Thats not to say, that at times, through our own fustration we won’t hit sensitive chords in others. This is the way we as people come to a better understanding of self and the spiritual world. But to scoff at anyones very foundation of belief? Is only going to shut them down in communication, and build barriers between us and them. Whoever them and us may be. We constantly, confront, challange, and thus change through Truth and Respect.

Listen many won’t even acknowledge that Mary “is” the mother of God. Even though in scripture Luke 1:42-43 we have Elizabeth speaking; and she excliamed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women. and Blessed if the fruit of your womb”. And in 43-“And why is this Granted to me, that the mother of the Lord should come to me”? And if you really study Luke, the “Lord” does mean God [Luke 1]. And then through John and through Revelations 12:1 its difficult to dispute all the thinking. Though I have heard “most” of the arguments.

I do understand fully the Catholic Faith and its teachings and how it arrives at its conclusions. I am also in the process of taking all the argumenst against the denial of Mary. Not just looking at them one by one. But following them through to compile a logical summary, to understand the end belief of this. Follow what I’m saying? There has to be consistant thought that makes perfect sense in the end? I’m interested to see where that arrives at. And if in deed it becomes a understandable, logical reading in the end? In particular I’m looking at three seperate understanding today. Christian, Judaism, and Protestant. Obviously I have the understanding of the Catholic which has been a life long study. I realize that each faith becomes a comprehendable teaching in the end. But I’m not sure if the specific deabates when compiled contradict or justify each other? And I deduce that it could very well lead to a better understanding by many. Will this amount to anything? Probly not, but I will gain a better understanding of others for sure.

God Bless, GT This was typed quickly sorry about typos

 

[moondweller]

I don’t mean disrespect, but answers had been amply provided by many posters on this thread which shed light on the Catholic understanding of how devotion to Mary could ultimately save. It may help to go back to the original post. God bless you.

He said: "I also believe that ultimately Marian devotion saves! " You say it “could” save. Which is it gentlemen? But where do you find the Apostles preaching devotion to Mary for (possible) salvation? Where do you find Christ sending out His Apostles with the message of devotion to Mary for (the possibility of) salvation? Which Apostles ever devoted themselves to Mary? Did Peter? Did Paul, as Saul, first devote himself to Mary prior to his salvation? How about the Ethiopian eunuch? How about the Philippian jailer? Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary prior to salvation? Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary?

 

[duffyk4]

He said: "I also believe that ultimately Marian devotion saves! " You say it “could” save. Which is it gentlemen? But where do you find the Apostles preaching devotion to Mary for (possible) salvation? Where do you find Christ sending out His Apostles with the message of devotion to Mary for (the possibility of) salvation? Which Apostles ever devoted themselves to Mary? Did Peter? Did Paul, as Saul, first devote himself to Mary prior to his salvation? How about the Ethiopian eunuch? How about the Philippian jailer? Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary prior to salvation? Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary?

How about John, whom Jesus told on the cross that Mary was now his mother, and John was now her son?

 

[moondweller]

How about John, whom Jesus told on the cross that Mary was now his mother, and John was now her son?

That was said in the context of he caring for her, not she caring for him and he devoting himself to her for salvation or the possibility of it. Such a concept is completely foreign to that passage.

The truth is devotion to Mary was never an Apostolic teaching. Their message from the beginning was faith in Christ alone for salvation.

 

[ron77nyc]

Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary prior to salvation? Is there any example of anyone in Scripture devoting themselves to Mary?

That’s the problem; the other gospel. There is only one gospel. You must believe in the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus to inherit eternal life. Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
When the word of God takes second place to oral tradition then you have false teachings and people get the crazy idea that Mary is more compassionate than Jesus and Mary will somehow convince Jesus to forgive us because He really doesn’t want to.

 

[jpink1019]

That’s the problem; the other gospel. There is only one gospel. You must believe in the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus to inherit eternal life. Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
When the word of God takes second place to oral tradition then you have false teachings and people get the crazy idea that Mary is more compassionate than Jesus and Mary will somehow convince Jesus to forgive us because He really doesn’t want to.

agreed

 

[jpink1019]

That was said in the context of he caring for her, not she caring for him and he devoting himself to her for salvation or the possibility of it. Such a concept is completely foreign to that passage.

The truth is devotion to Mary was never an Apostolic teaching. Their message from the beginning was faith in Christ alone for salvation.

I have had this same discussion with other people before.
What you have said here is what I understand of the scripture.
Is this passage the core of the disagreement?

 

[ron77nyc]

Is this passage the core of the disagreement?

Most of the New Testament is the core of the disagreement. Here are just a few examples:

Matthew 11:27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Ephesians 3:8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Compare these verses to those who say “we must go through Mary to Jesus” or “without Mary we cannot receive grace at all.”

 

[rtibs]

We could go on and on and disagree to our heart’s content, yet the fact will remain Mary’s status in the eyes of God will be an exalted one and she will stand on God’s side on the day of judgment. May our merciful and compassionate God find all our righteous arguments worth our salt on that day. God bless.

 

[ron77nyc]

I don’t know if anyone on this thread has read “The Glories of Mary” but those who have read it know what it says.

“Whoever asks and wishes to obtain graces without the intercession of Mary, attempts to fly without wings” [Liguori, Glories of Mary, page 189]

“What poor sinners we should be if we had not this advocate, so powerful and so merciful, and at the same time so prudent and so wise, that the judge, her Son, cannot condemn the guilty, if she defends them. … Precisely the same thing does Mary continually in heaven, in behalf of innumerable sinners: she knows so well how to appease the divine justice with her tender and wise entreaties, that God himself blesses her for it, and as it were thanks her, that thus she restrains him from abandoning and punishing them as they deserve” [Liguori, Glories of Mary, page 220]

motherofallpeoples.com/articles/classic-mariological-excerpts/o-gracious-advocate.html
Written by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
Page 1 of 2
…And therefore, says Saint Peter Damian, the Blessed Virgin can do whatever she pleases both in heaven and on earth. She is able to raise even those who are in despair to confidence; and he addresses her in these words: ‘** All power is given to thee in heaven and on earth, and nothing is impossible to thee, who canst raise those who are in despair to the hope of salvation.’** 2 And then he adds that ’ when the Mother goes to seek a favour for us from Jesus Christ’ (whom the Saint calls the golden altar of mercy, at which sinners obtain pardon), ’ her Son esteems her prayers so greatly, and is so desirous to satisfy her, that when she prays, it seems as if she rather commanded than prayed, and was rather a queen than a handmaid.’ 3 Jesus is pleased thus to honour His beloved Mother, who honoured Him so much during her life, by immediately granting all that she asks or desires. This is beautifully confirmed by Saint Germanus, who addressing our Blessed Lady says : ’ Thou art the Mother of God, and all-powerful to save sinners, and with God thou needest no other recommendation; for thou art the Mother of true life.’ 4’At the command of Mary, all obey, even God.’ Saint Bernardino fears not to utter this sentence; meaning, indeed, to say that **God grants the prayers of Mary as if they were commands. **5 And hence Saint Anselm addressing Mary says : ’ Our Lord, O most holy Virgin, has exalted thee to such a degree, that by His favour all things that are possible to Him should be possible to thee.’ 6 ’ For thy protection is omnipotent, O Mary,’ says Cosmas of Jerusalem. 7 ’ Yes, Mary is omnipotent,’ repeats Richard of Saint Lawrence; ’ for the **queen by every law enjoys the same privileges as the king. And as,’ he adds, ’ the power of the son and that of the mother is the same, a mother is made omnipotent by an omnipotent son.’ **8 ’ And thus,’ says Saint Antoninus, ’ God has placed the whole Church, not only under the patronage, but even under the dominion of Mary.’ 9***Since the Mother, then, should have the same power as the Son, rightly has Jesus, who is omnipotent, made Mary also omnipotent; though, of course, it is always true that where the Son is omnipotent by nature, the Mother is only so by grace.…

 

[panevino]

Beyond that?

In respect to prayer, God’s Word (the theopneustos