My Protestant Brain Cells Are Kicking In....

[jazzytakara]

I am a recent convert as some of you may know, and I confess at times I still have questions brought upon by my former Liberal Protestant Upbringing. I recently obtained a new job and a lot of Christians come in wearing empty crosses, I assume they are Protestant. But this got be thinking, when I see an empty cross I assume Protestant Christian and the crucifix I assume Catholic Christian (although their are exceptions). I assume this based upon the fact that the cross and crucifix are symbols of Christ and usually (more so hopefully) a devotion to Christ. This is a good thing. However, the thoughts that troubled me is when it comes to medals and scapulars. These often show a devotion to Mary or a particular saint. Is it right for us to show a devotion to someone other than Christ? I know the Catholic side of it, Christ always comes first; however, I'm having trouble with understanding why it is okay for us as Catholics to do this. If someone who isn't aware of Catholic teachings or a recent convert still learning, it would appear to an outsider that we are showing devotion saints and Mary before Christ, which is perhaps why some accuse us of Idolatry. Can someone help me to understand Marian and Saint devotions and why medals (Miraculous Medal, Saint Benedict Medal) and scapulars  (Brown, Green, Red, etc.) are okay and not removing honour, devotion, and reverence to God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)? Thank you..

[CatherineM]

My father died while I was in college. I have pictures of him on the wall. I put them there to remind me of my love for him, how much I miss him, and I even occasionally talk to him. No, I don't expect him to answer back.

When I was almost killed, the first responders told me I had called out for my Dad to help me. When Jesus was in the Garden, he did the same thing. I don't worship him, but I still pray for him and ask him to pray for me.

When people visit Mount Rushmore or the Lincoln Memorial, that doesn't mean that we are worshipping those former presidents. We are admiring them. We are using their example to encourage us to do more with our lives.

I have a St. Bernard medal around my neck. I don't worship him, but he was my father's patron saint, and every time I see it or feel it, it reminds me of my Dad who wore it before me.

When I say the rosary, I'm not praying to Mary because I worship her. I'm praying to her to give myself strength, to encourage me to accept God's will for me in the same way she did.

If you have any question about whether asking Mary to intercede on your behalf with her Son will do any good, remember his first miracle. She asked him a favor, he said no. She told the stewards to do what he said knowing he'd probably give in. On the other hand, she didn't argue with him. She left it up to his will. As a good Jewish mother though, she had a good idea how it was going to work out.

We venerate the saints. We try to use them as examples. Sometimes we ask them to put in a good word for us because we know they have God's unlisted number. Networking is a valuable tool.