[Brices Crossroads]

Steve, I don't think the distinction is artificial at all. I don't know Greek, but I speak English pretty well, having been a trial lawyer for 23 years. You know the difference between the nominative as well as I do. it's not artificial at all.

I am glad to hear that you love Mary. I do too. So does the Lord. In saying it, though, you seem to feel the need to qualify it by saying you love Paul, Moses and David too. So did Jesus. Agreed. Question: Do you love these individuals more than you love your own mother? or your children? Do you love those you have never known more than those to whom you have been closest? You cannot mean to suggest that Jesus loved Paul, Moses and others as much as His own Mother, who raised Him and Cared for Him for 30 years?

I ask everyone to pray for me, both the living and those who have fallen asleep. But I know the prayers of the righteous are dearer to God, as witness Job, whose prayers God demanded in order not to punish his friends, who had told him to curse God. I pray to Mary because I know she is close to Jesus, closer than you and closer than me.

[drstevej]

I do not concede the argument on the nominative, though I do admit that my English is probably less polished (Engineering degree). I do believe it is an artificial distinction and I do believe the Greek is critical in establishing such a distinction.

Jesus was both fully God and full man. In his humanity He had a special love for his Mother, his extended family, his friends. However, His love for Mary from the Divine perspective is not less than His love for you. Your perspective focuses on His humanity, mine on His deity.

Does God the Father love Mary more than you? I say no.