Question: What does it mean that Mary is the “Mediatrix of All Grace”? Apparently that’s the fifth Marian doctrine? I’ve never heard of it before! Answer: When we say that Mary is the “Mediatrix of All Grace”, we mean that Mary cooperated and continues to cooperate in an extraordinary way in the saving mission of Christ, who alone is the unique mediator between God and … Continue reading
Question: If Mary was sinless, doesn’t that make her like another god? I thought only God was sinless. Answer: On the surface it would appear that way. But, we have to keep in mind that Mary and God are sinless for different reasons. The three Persons of the Trinity are sinless — and Jesus, being one of Them, is sinless — by their very nature, … Continue reading
Question: Why is the Blessed Virgin Mary sometimes seen standing on a snake? Answer: Mary is often depicted in this way because her entire life has been one of victory over the devil. In the very beginning of the Bible, in Gen 3:15, God says to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he … Continue reading
Q&A Potpourri #9 Question: In Baptism, what is the meaning of the anointing on the chest? Answer: The anointing with oil on the chest is meant to give the child the grace and the strength to live the Christian life. In ancient times, athletes would massage their muscles with oil to prepare themselves for competition. Soldiers would do the same to prepare themselves for battle. … Continue reading
Question: I always hear people speak of Mary’s “fiat” and her “magnificat.” What are these things? Answer: Mary’s fiat is found in Lk 1:38. It is her “yes” to God, which she declared once the Angel explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her specific words were, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done … Continue reading
Question: What does Gen 3:15 mean when God says that he will place “enmity” between the serpent and the woman? Answer: In order to answer this question, we need to know what “enmity” is, as well as the identities of the “serpent” and the “woman.” First, some background information. So, Eve has been persuaded by the serpent to disobey God and eat from the Tree … Continue reading
Question: Is the Rosary “vain repetition”? Answer: As you know, the praying of the rosary requires the repetition of several prayers. As such, some non-Catholics assert that Jesus condemned prayers like the rosary when He said, “And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Mt 6:7). The King … Continue reading