***Scripture tells us there is only “one God and one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.” ***
You are correct, but I think you believe we Catholics think Mary, alone, can answer our prayers. I refer you to the well-known Hail Mary prayer which ends with the words, “Holy Mary, mother of God, PRAY FOR US now and at the hour of our death.” Have you ever asked anyone to pray for you? Does that mean that you confer upon them divinity?
Have you ever asked anyone to pray for you?
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It takes a good chunk of time to properly say the rosary. ( Having been raised a Catholic, I know.)
When we ask others to pray for us to do take that much time, effort, and mental energy to ask them to do us that favor? Do we have entire May processions devoted to asking a friend to pray for us? Do we have statues and images of our friends dressed in elegant fabrics and bedecked with flowers? Do we light candles in front of them?
That time, energy, and mental and emotional intensity would be far better directed to God Himself, through Jesus Christ.
Have you ever asked anyone to pray for you?
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One more thing:
There is a **lot** right about the Catholic Church. I would be THRILLED if every Catholic in this nation actually practiced what is taught in their catechism. Our nation would be far stronger if they did.
And...It is entirely possible to be very faithful and devoted Catholic ( holding Mary in high esteem) without doing any of this Mary stuff.
I think you believe we Catholics think Mary, alone, can answer our prayers.
"Alone," or in a jeep with six Marines, Mary cannot save anyone, mediate anything nor answer anyone's prayers.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?... But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -- Isaiah 40:10-13;31"Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Christ alone.