Why pray to Mary when it's Jesus who heals?
This question was posed to me today by a fairly agitated young woman who seemed bent on wanting to pick a fight. I had pulled my rosary out of my pocket while retrieving some change and she noticed it and said "Is that a rosary? Why do Catholics INSIST on praying more to Mary than to God or Jesus?" Being we were in a public place, I thought it a good opportunity to express my response very politely, yet forcefully, so that all those listening in would know exactly what I said.
After giving her the "Catholics aren't praying TO Mary so much as we pray THROUGH Mary to get our petition before Jesus" and seeing she wasn't going to even try to understand my reponse, I tried an old Fr. Corapi-ism on her. I told her "You pray directly to Jesus and I'll pray to him while seeking the intercession of His Blessed Mother Mary. We'll wait and see who gets to heaven first." The young woman was speechless.
This abrupt end to our exchange prompted an older woman in the next check-out line to begin laughing almost uncontrollably. Not wanting to make the younger woman feel any more discomfort, the older woman chimed in "That reminds me of a joke. Jesus was giving his annual tour of heaven when he ran across St. Peter and he said "Peter, what's up with all of these extra souls we seem to have around? Are you certain they all belong HERE?" To which St. Peter replied "Well, Jesus, maybe you should talk to your MOTHER about it." Jesus stammered, "MY mother!? What would SHE have to do with it?" St. Peter responded "Hey, I turn them away at the front gate, but they go around to the side door and SHE lets them in."
Everyone laughed and the young woman acknowledged that she had a lot of reconsidering to do. She understands now.
Chalk up another one for the good guys...and try to keep a sense of humor when someone wants to attack your beliefs. It's only going to get worse with all of the media attacks against Catholics going on today.
posted by OLTIV @ 7:42 PM
9 Comments
9 Comments:
Great job Larry! in explaining the Rosary to this lady. We need more people like you, who will take the time to profess their faith publicly. You Rock!
May Our Lady heap many blessing on you and the Springs.
JStolle
San Antonio, Tx
I'm so happy to see these new posts. I look forward to visiting each day to see what is new.
This Larry has sure got a way with handling antagonistic people (like the ex-Way couple who ended up converting). I believe he has been called to this role by Our Lady. I pray that someone out there will step up and help him and his family with the financial support necessary to continue this effort on behalf of Our Lady of America.
Good job bringing understanding to others in our world!
It gets tough out there sometimes, but it is worth the effort to correct some of these false impressions others hold to the Catholic faith.
What;s he doing whipping it out in the middle of the store anyway? Is he some fanatic?
As someone who carrys a rosary in my pocket, it sometimes comes out at the store when I'm fishing for change, or pulling my wallet out.
As for 'whipping it out', would there be anything wrong with praying a Rosary in public?
In my pocket I carry a "tenner", which is a one decade strand. On many occasions you will find me praying my rosary walking up and down the isles of the grocery store. Many times just lost in thought.
No one has ever reprimanded or condemned me for it. In fact, I have had several people look at me and nod their heads in passing.
One elderly gentleman patted me on the shoulder, and said, "Good for you", please pray for me and my family, which I offered up a small prayer for them right then and there.
We can never say enough rosaries in our lifetime to make up for the sorrows and pain Our Lord suffered on the Cross for us.
So bring out those rosaries no matter where you are, and keep on praying, not only for our own salvation, but for the salvation of many souls that have turned away from Christ.
Praying the rosary is very pleasing to Our dear Mother Mary!
JStolle
San Antonio, Tx
I heard that the county is buying the property back and wants to tear the buildings down for a developer. Is this true?
What a waste and travesty this would be.
I live and work in Noble county and I have heard no such discussion of the county buying the property even though it would be a good move on their part. I think the money would be a big problem for our Commissioners at this time.
I just found your blog after someone suggested that I look at this specific post. I live in the south east and am often asked questions about my faith(not always in a friendly way) by Protestants. I will have to remember your answer next time someone asks me about my rosary.
Post a Comment
<< Home