Where did I say that Mary was above Jesus?
That was a saint who said that. I was explaining the latin words of latria, dulia and hyperdulia, that’s all.
Something to think about —
What if God at the creation already knew that he was sending his Son, Jesus, and already knew at that time that Mary would be the human mother through the Holy Spirit?
Could it have happened that way? With God there is no A to B timeline as humans have. With God 1000 years could be the blink of an eye.
Anyone who truly knows the Catholic faith becomes a Catholic.
I believe Liguori was expressing gratitude to Mary for her great gift to all mankind, in her fiat— that without dear Mary saying, “let it be done unto me...”, in this gracious consent that she declared of her own free will, the world would not know her son, Jesus, the Christ.
Liguori by saying that, would not and did not replace or reject a first love and worshiping love for our Triune God with love for Mary, but as our first intercessor for us to Jesus, our Savior and King, which his writings attest, or else he would not be a declared saint.
Catholics venerate Mary for her position with God but do not worship Mary. Gabriel said to Mary, “the Lord is ‘with’ you”.
+ 1
Perfect. What more could anyone (Christian) ask of you..?
So "wild" was my tree! I was raised in a church that denied common use of the Bible - claiming that only it's leaders were proficient in its understanding and application. They taught that tradition was equal to scripture and that their leaders are the only teachers and judges of faith and morals. I was required to confess my sin to their leaders and receive absolution from them.
In time, God revealed Himself to me, as He did with you, and I was set free from their bondage. It was not easy for my family - (many of them are trapped - but there is still hope for them. We serve a mighty God! He is not willing that any should be lost.) I imagine the same is true for you.
God has blessed us both. Amen?
Today, I have only ONE advocate with the Father. It is Christ, The Lord! I don't call any other man "father" now. I'm forgiven and justified because of the price that was paid in the Cross - a free gift that I did not earn through my good works. It is because of God's love- His immense love for me.
With you and me, what other choice is there but to serve Him?
Blessed are you. You are following the Word of G-d instead of an institution or church.