And why would you assume that one is a substitute for the other? I have a watch that my father gave me. I know that the watch is not my father but I cherish it because it once his and it reminds me of him. Catholics who cherish items associated with our Lord do indeed also have a direct and loving relationship with Jesus. It is the worst of rash judgments to think otherwise.
My continued question is why one would prefer a substitute or a indirect relationship with God when one could have a direct relationship?
And why would you assume that one is a substitute for the other? I have a watch that my father gave me. I know that the watch is not my father but I cherish it because it once his and it reminds me of him. Catholics who cherish items associated with our Lord do indeed also have a direct and loving relationship with Jesus. It is the worst of rash judgments to think otherwise.
If your worldly father were alive, you would go be with him instead of his watch................