Wad Mary’s marriage a sham before Our Lord was born?
I think you’re replying to the wrong person, I never said her marriage was a sham. Secondarily, NO, it was not a sham, but it was in protection of her and her unborn child (Jesus)-if you’ll remember from the Gospels Joseph was even ready to divorce her over the issue until God intervened and told him to stay with her.
However after Jesus was born it is ridiculous to believe that Joseph wouldn’t want to have sex (and other Children) with his wife, wouldn’t you?
To your answer, let’s look at the scripture....Joseph was very upset, look at what is said in Matthew.
Mat 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
....So to answer this, Joseph would probably not have married Mary had not God been involved.
Let me ask you -— where do you get (Scripturally) the perpetual virginity of Mary?
Mary was favored above all women, but she WAS a woman. She was NOT an angel, or special creation of God.
Praying to Mary, or Joseph is unnecessary because our Lord (Jesus) says pray directly to him (no intercessor required). (John 14:13)
Reasoning from the scriptures keeps us on the right track. If you have some better verses, please let us look at them.