Mary and Saints.
Joshua asked me why Catholics pray through Mother Mary to God?
why do we pray to the Saints and believe in Blessed Virgin's divine intervention?
i have never really questioned it and took it as was given.
so... i decided to ask around for answers and here goes.... =)
Isaac's explanation: we acknowledge the importance of the rest of the people who made an impact on our religion. like.. Mary's the Mother of Jesus. she is known for her faithfulness and obedience to God's wishes. she gave up her son to the Pharisees. how many mothers can sacrifice their son for matrydom? it's an expression of unselfish love.
Charlene's explanation: We have to first understand that she holds a special position because she's the Mother of God and is born without sin. She's also the only other human besides Jesus to have not sinned at all - a special grace given by God prob coz He'll choose the best for the mother of His son right! When we say we pray to Mary, it's not like we're asking her to grant us things (eg. Mary pls grant my family good health). It's more like we're asking her to pray for us and intercede for us. (eg. Mary I ask you for your prayers that my family may have good health) It's like asking our friends to pray for us when we're in trouble, in need a whatever. Mary is simply another source that we can turn to. The more prayers that go up to God, the better!
As for the Saints, the Church has given them a higher position based on the good works they have done and exemplary lives that they led when they were alive. In a sense, they are role models for us and in the same way that we ask Mary for prayers, we ask them to intercede for us as well. The Saints that we commonly hear of are like the better known, the canonised saints. But the Church also acknowledges that there would have been people who have led good lives just that they were not publicised like for eg that of Mother Teresa or St Francis that kind of thing. So all of us have a chance to be saints after death...just big ones or little ones!even today, when sons want to enter priesthood, i see alot of mothers objecting.
coz that means they'll not get married and have kids, or work and be rich financially.
but what can be more rewarding that serving our Lord Jesus and leading his flock?
do you think that theological differences can lead people to breaking up their relationship?
maybe. i have seen many cases. different interpretations of the Bible, Christianity and worship.
but did it happen due to mainly personality differences, stubborness, and throwing God off-focus in the relationship from the very beginning? if God was the focus, the relationship would be epitomized by unselfish giving, forgiving of faults, and gracious love.
sounds easy to say but difficult to practice. how many of us are willing to forsake our personal demands on the other half? how many of us are willing to put down pride and be understanding?
i don't know. i have yet to find out.
for one thing i am glad.
they are my dearest family and the close friends i have been blessed with.
my family has came to accept Christ and Catholicism, as long as i don't become too... zealous?
it's been a struggle of 6 years. it's so small as compared to John Paul II's struggle to free the world from Communism and fighting peacefully for religious freedom and unity.
but... the persecution and trials thrown were worthwhile for the sweet fruits i now enjoy.
also, Jared's girlfriend wants to join us for Mass. that's so great!
least now he and his girlfriend can come to Church together and grow in spirituality.
i didn't know she has seen my photos before too. and he's told her stuff about me and us.
i can't wait to meet her! if Jared loves her so much, i'm sure she's special =)
c'mon, you're alwiz my brother and i love you! as long as you are loved and happy, i am happy!
many thanks to Auntie Susan, Ian, Isaac, Charlene, Don, Gabriel, Andy, Qiao, Eunice as well for guiding me.
had a Sociological Research Methodology paper at 2.30pm.
hope i worked out my statistics correctly... this is a very important paper. i'm so worried.
determines whether i get to do Stats in my year 3...
Vincent wasn't there today... =(
well, Irving jus told me a sad news today.
Vincent's got a PhD scholarship. yes. he's going to Canada this July.
stats class won't be the same without him... but i am happy that his diligence has paid off.
may God bless him wherever he is, and keep him safe from harm and temptations.
i hope i can be like them... both Irving and Vincent.
produce rigorous and well-articluated essays on social phenomenons.
engage in anthropological studies. run the stats for evidences.
however, i won't be getting my 2nd upper class honours... sigh
posted by Veen @ 22:41
1 Comments:
2nd lower hons better than 3rd class hons..
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