[firebrand]

Yes, maybe they do not think it, but it is a premise of praying to Mary. They relate to her compassion and mother love, in the hope that if she hears them, their prayer cannot be unworthy of answer. I think of that poem by Dickinson: I never saw a moor, I never saw the sea . . . They know what her kindness would yield for them as if the map were given. So then it is a skip and a jump to believe that God is at least her equal in the compassion they desire.

Anyway, I try. Because I have been there, I know some, but not all, of what motivates intercessory prayer to Mary. I only hope I can persuade a few to go on from there--to not be like the hermit crab who eventually grows too big for its borrowed shell, and then can never get out.

[Quix]

Thanks for your very significant contribution to the thread.

Accurate and out of a good heart.

Good on ya.

Heading to bed.

Have a blessed weekend.

[Quix]

INDEED.

Spiritual hermit crabs are most . . . tragic.

I believe a number of such will make Heaven--all the truly Blood Bought, submitted wholly to Jesus.

However, to arrive on Jordan's other shore and to suddenly realize what might have been . . . that too will be tragic--to some degree, likely for all of us.

We are wise to minimize such a likelihood at any stage in our lives. What a treasure to do so, young.