Novena of the Week: Sorrowful Mother Novena

1. MARY’S ROLE IN SALVATION? In John 3 Jesus told Nicodemous “Ye must be born again.” In John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus said in John 14:6 “I AM the way, the truth, and the life; NO man cometh unto the father, BUT BY ME.” John 10 Jesus’ discourse on Himself as the Good Shepherd who was appointed by His Father as Savior and King. In verse 9 “I AM the door. If anyone enters BY ME, he will be saved…” and in verse 1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, BUT CLIMBS UP SOME OTHER WAY, the same is a thief and a robber.” Only Jesus Christ is the only true source for the knowledge of God and the one basis for spiritual security.

2. JESUS WAS SINLESS and VOLUNTARILY DIED ON THE CROSS for our sins and this was prophesized in times past, and by Jesus Himself. Isaiah 53 foretells of His death for mankind and confirmed in Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD…”. God required a sinless sacrifice without spot or blemish for all mankind (1 Pet 2:22 “Who did NO sin, neither was guile/deceit found in His mouth.” and in 1 John 3:5 “And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and IN HIM is NO SIN.”). Whereas there is no one else who was/is sinless (Rom 3:10 “As it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, not one.” and in 3:23 “For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”). He died, was buried, and resurrected and sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.

3. MARY AS INTERCESSOR? (Heb 1:3 “…when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” and Heb 7:25 “Wherefore He is able also to same them to the uttermost that come unto God BY HIM, seeing He ever liveth to MAKE INTERCESSION for them.”). In 1 Tim 2:5 “For there is ONE GOD, and ONE MEDIATOR beween God and men, the man CHRIST JESUS.”

4. GIFTS of the Holy Spirit? The Bible refers, in many verses, to the GIFT of the Holy Spirit that is given according to promise. Acts 2:38-39 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. For the promise is … as many as the Lord our God shall call.” John 7:39 “But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should RECEIVE; for the Holy Ghost was NOT YET GIVEN; BECAUSE that Jesus was not yet glorified.” Godly attitudes that characterize the lives of those who belong to God BY FAITH IN CHRIST possess the Spirit of God. The Spirit produces FRUIT which consists of 9 characteristics or attitudes that are inextricably linked with each and are commanded of believers throughout the N.T. and the FRUIT of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 6:22-23.

6. ISAIAH 11:2 – “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” As the Spirit of the Lord came upon David when He was annoited king (1 Sam 16:13, Ps. 51:11), so He will rest upon David’s descendant, Christ, who will rule the world. This verse refers to the 3 persons of the Holy Trinity (see 6:3). These are Spirit-imparted qualifications that will enable the Messiah to rule justly and effectively. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, and ONCE YOU ARE SAVED you can ask in prayer for wisdom (Eph 1:16-17 “Cease … That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”) because (1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth NOT the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”)

7. MOTHER of God. (Matt 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21 re His mother and brothers “While He talked to the people, behold His mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him … Who is my mother? and who are my brethen? And He stretched forth His hand toward His disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For WHOSOEVER shall DO the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same IS my brother, and sister, and mother.”) Mary and Joseph also had other kids as documented in Matt 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3. Never does the Bible refer to Mary as the mother of God, and if so, wouldn’t that make her other kids half-gods?

8. One must be careful to read/interpret scripture in context and God warns not to ADD to His Word, NOR TO TAKE AWAY FROM IT. (Deut.4:2, 12:32; Prov 30:6; Jer 26:2; and Rev 22:18-19 warns who tampers with the truth by attempting to falsify, mitigate, alter, or misinterpret it will incur the judgments described in these verses.) Also Mark 7:6-8 warns agains teaching and following the traditions of men. This includes trying to change scripture by culture. If scripture was intended to be adapted to culture, or man’s traditions, it would mean that culture/traditions would have more authority than the Bible. And since culture/traditions are determined by man’s ideas, it would put man above God. God forbid.

Jeri, it is great that you are so dedicated to the Word of God, that is an admirable trait and shows ones dedication. However, we cannot take scriptures out of context, alone, while ignoring other scriptures. Also, the protestant Bible is missing several books removed by Luther.

These teachings regarding Mary have been taught since the beginning of the original Holy Catholic/Universal Church. I was once like you, but I saw that once I sought the answers and was open to learning more, not just —shouting out (forgive me if I am wrong, but the use of CAPS is shouting) — my interpretation of the Bible, but to be open to being wrong on some issues.

Yes, Jesus alone is our salvation, that is correct, as He died for our sins upon the cross, however, we pray to Mary as she is closest to Jesus now as His beloved Mother, we respect her and ask her to pray for us, no different than if I asked you to pray for me. The saints in Heaven hear us and can speak to the Father on our behalf. There is nothing wrong with that.

cont…

continued from last posting…. my comment was too long.. I agree, Jesus was sinless, however Mary also was sinless full of Grace. …True, our mediator is Jesus, yes, His sorrowful Passion redeemed us. However, intercessors can pray for one another. We do not worship Mary. Many protestants are still confused on this issue. She is the Mother of God. Jesus was God, correct? She gave Him birth, correct? “Behold, your mother. Mother, behold your son….” (I cannot recall the exact words of that verse) There is too much to get into in a post here. But, I must say that in all respect, you are very confused on many issues and I I recommend a good apologetic site for the answers you are seeking. This is a great site,full of information, including the writings that were removed. As you stated in the end referring only actually, to the Book of Revelation, to not remove nor add words to (that) book, which Catholics never have done. However, in the same irony the Protestant bible has removed many books. Please study more on these subjects on the site I recommending before being too stuck on your own opinion. I pray it is a blessing to you. Take care

http://www.catholic.com/

BTW, I will not be returning to this page, so I will not be able to view your answer. Take care

PS; I forgot to add, Mary had NO other children. Please study more on that subject on the link provided. You are misunderstanding translations. The link will help you as well as, other Catholics, including priests, you may communicate with. I pray it helps you in your confusion. And I pray that you come home to the Church from schism. God bless you

BTW, I forgot to add that Mary had NO other Children. You are misunderstanding translation. I will pray you are blessed by the site I recommended, (it will answer all your questions without rebuke) as you can also speak to priests and other Catholics there. I also pray you come out of the confusion of schism from the Church. Remember that you are missing many pieces of the puzzle. The Bible is not an easy to understand book on many issues, that is why we need teachers and sola scriptura is very dangerous. I’ll give you over 20,000 reasons— AKA denominations of the schism. I recommend you read also a book on the life of Luther. He was a man that spoke to satan, he claimed and got his inspiration while on the can. I am not kidding. Do you wish to follow a man or do you wish to follow the Church built upon the Rock, Jesus Christ which the gates of hell shall never prevail against. about 2,000 yrs, still there Think about that. She is the Bride and I will pray God opens your eyes to this and calls you home, like He did to me. Then there is such a joy and you just know you are in the right place. It is indescribable. God bless you and have a wonderful day! I say all of this in true respect, Friend and mean no harm by my words, just that you see the truth that Jesus has passed on. Amen.

Jeri, I didn’t read your post. Too much shouting with your caps. Why so angry?