Several questions from a protestant

[Kaily]

Why does Jesus give some people like Padre Pio the Stigmata, and if Padre Pio is under the blood of Christ, why would the Lord allow Satan to attack him like he did (i.e. actually battling physically with satan)? My friend said this is ridiculous and he actually compared padre pio to Benny Hinn.

Also, how to explain Mary as Co-Redemptrix, I did hear catholic answers the other night and the apologist said that one way to say this is that we all are co-redeemeres in a way, not that we ourselves redeem anyone but when we teach the faith to others or share Christ with others, in that way we are participating in their redemption.

Also what is the purpose of having incorruptibles? And Why does the Lord sometimes send His mother (i.e) apparations. I answered this one but he still was not pleased with it.

Thanks

 

[davidv]

Why does Jesus give some people like Padre Pio the Stigmata, and if Padre Pio is under the blood of Christ, why would the Lord allow Satan to attack him like he did (i.e. actually battling physically with satan)? My friend said this is ridiculous and he actually compared padre pio to Benny Hinn.

I believe most answers we as humans can provide are mere foggy images of the reasons that I believe are only available in the Mind of God.

I think this selection from the CCC can also shed some light on this question:

2847 The Holy Spirit makes us *discern *between trials, which are necessary for the growth of the inner man, and temptation, which leads to sin and death.

In some way Prodre Pio’s trials were meant for his spiritual growth. Also his witness in enduring them can strengthn and encourage us in our spirit journey.

Also, how to explain Mary as Co-Redemptrix, I did hear catholic answers the other night and the apologist said that one way to say this is that we all are co-redeemeres in a way, not that we ourselves redeem anyone but when we teach the faith to others or share Christ with others, in that way we are participating in their redemption.

Co-Redemptrix is a title for Mary which acknowledges her role in enabling Christ saving work. Her role included agreeing to follow God’s plan for her life, giving birth to and raising Jesus to adulthood, and standing by Him in His ministry.

Also what is the purpose of having incorruptibles? And Why does the Lord sometimes send His mother (i.e) apparations. I answered this one but he still was not pleased with it.

As with all miracles, they are meant to draw us to Jesus and strengthen our faith.

 

[elvisman]

Padre Pio’s stigmata and incorruptible saints are used for the glorification of God and the strengthening of the faithful.

As for Padre Pio’s grappligs with Satan - we ALL grapple with Satan on a daily basis. Being “under the Blood of Christ” would prevent us from becoming possessed by demons - not that we won’t have hardships and temptations.

 

[ERose]

Why does Jesus give some people like Padre Pio the Stigmata, and if Padre Pio is under the blood of Christ, why would the Lord allow Satan to attack him like he did (i.e. actually battling physically with satan)? My friend said this is ridiculous and he actually compared padre pio to Benny Hinn.

1st of all sharing in the sufferings of Christ has nothing to do with the devil. Stigmata is given by God to those he finds worthy to share in His Son’s suffering and death. St Francis of Assisi prayed for martyrdom, but God gave him the stigmata instead. Why, because St Francis grew up in an environment where he being martyred was impossible so God gave him the next best thing. Jesus never promised a life without suffering on this world and in fact suffering is an important part of our growth as Christians. In the marines we had a saying “what doesn’t kill makes you stronger”. You cannot find a truer statement about the human condition. Human beings grow through adversity. It is through adversity that we become stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. Think about it: If you want to become physically tougher or stronger you do what? Work out. A form of suffering. If you want to get smarter what do you do? Study. In most cases a form of suffering. An if you want to become a better person spiritually normally you have to go through some form of suffering. For St Francis and Padre Pio to go to the next level spiritually it required sharing in the sufferings of Christ.

Does your friend believe that Satan cannot attack him? That Satan will ignore him? That the blood of Christ somehow makes him invisible to Satan? Satan’s goal is to pull as many people down to hell with him before judgement day. And to be honest with you his favorite targets are those that are traveling in the direction of heaven. That being said, Jesus promised that he will not allow you to endure more than you can handle but at times you will have to endure.

Also, how to explain Mary as Co-Redemptrix, I did hear catholic answers the other night and the apologist said that one way to say this is that we all are co-redeemeres in a way, not that we ourselves redeem anyone but when we teach the faith to others or share Christ with others, in that way we are participating in their redemption.

Mary is the Mother of Christ and as such the Mother of the Church which is the Body of Christ. This is shown in the book of revelations concerning the women with child protecting the child from Satan.

Also what is the purpose of having incorruptibles? And Why does the Lord sometimes send His mother (i.e) apparations. I answered this one but he still was not pleased with it.

Why should His mother come and visit her children when we need her? What mother wouldn’t?

 

[guanophore]

Why does Jesus give some people like Padre Pio the Stigmata, and if Padre Pio is under the blood of Christ, why would the Lord allow Satan to attack him like he did (i.e. actually battling physically with satan)?

God gives gifts to people according to His will. He knows what each person needs to be made holy.

Those under the Blood suffer the most. If you don’t believe this, then you have not spent enough time studying the crucifixion and the martyrs that died for their faith.

God will not give a person more than they can bear.

My friend said this is ridiculous and he actually compared padre pio to Benny Hinn.

Your friend is ridiculous.

Also, how to explain Mary as Co-Redemptrix, I did hear catholic answers the other night and the apologist said that one way to say this is that we all are co-redeemeres in a way, not that we ourselves redeem anyone but when we teach the faith to others or share Christ with others, in that way we are participating in their redemption.

You got it. If you have more questions, you should search for a thread on this topic.

Also what is the purpose of having incorruptibles?

To give us a sign of HIs intention for humanity.

And Why does the Lord sometimes send His mother (i.e) apparations. I answered this one but he still was not pleased with it.

Thanks

What was your answer, and why were you not pleased?

 

[IronHammer]

1st of all sharing in the sufferings of Christ has nothing to do with the devil. Stigmata is given by God to those he finds worthy to share in His Son’s suffering and death. St Francis of Assisi prayed for martyrdom, but God gave him the stigmata instead. Why, because St Francis grew up in an environment where he being martyred was impossible so God gave him the next best thing. Jesus never promised a life without suffering on this world and in fact suffering is an important part of our growth as Christians. In the marines we had a saying “what doesn’t kill makes you stronger”. You cannot find a truer statement about the human condition. Human beings grow through adversity. It is through adversity that we become stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. Think about it: If you want to become physically tougher or stronger you do what? Work out. A form of suffering. If you want to get smarter what do you do? Study. In most cases a form of suffering. An if you want to become a better person spiritually normally you have to go through some form of suffering. For St Francis and Padre Pio to go to the next level spiritually it required sharing in the sufferings of Christ.

I love how you put it. That flies in the face of the God-is-all-roses-and-punch theology you get from most non-catholic christians. IMHO, when a christian “gets” this concept, then they have reached a new level of spiritual maturity.

There is an excellent book on this topic called Suffering: The Catholic Answer by Dom Hubert Van Zeller. He has an amazing way of making these concepts so easy to understand.

 

[ERose]

I love how you put it. That flies in the face of the God-is-all-roses-and-punch theology you get from most non-catholic christians. IMHO, when a christian “gets” this concept, then they have reached a new level of spiritual maturity.

There is an excellent book on this topic called Suffering: The Catholic Answer by Dom Hubert Van Zeller. He has an amazing way of making these concepts so easy to understand.

Thank you.