In the world of faith and spirituality, one topic has often led to spirited discussions between Catholic/Orthodox and most Protestant communities (with the exception of High Church Lutherans and Anglicans): the practice of seeking intercession from the Saints. As a Catholic, my aim is to shed light on how intercession works within our faith tradition and offer insights that may bridge the gap of understanding.
Understanding Intercession
At its heart, intercession in the Catholic/Orthodox tradition is a practice that emerges from our profound belief in the enduring connection between the Church on Earth and the Church in Heaven. We ask the Saints, who have attained the presence of God, to intercede on our behalf because we trust in the unity and interwoven nature of the Body of Christ, spanning the earthly and celestial realms. This tradition finds its origins in the earliest days of the Church, where Christians sought the prayers of those who had displayed exceptional holiness and faith during their lives. As the Church evolved and grew, this practice not only persisted but flourished, becoming an integral and deeply cherished aspect of our spirituality. It reflects our conviction that the prayers of the Saints, who now enjoy eternal communion with God, hold a unique and potent intercessory power that can aid us on our spiritual journey.
Biblical Foundation
While the exact term "intercession" may not be explicitly mentioned in connection with the Saints in the Bible, the concept itself is present. St. Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, encourages us to "pray for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1), reflecting the essence of what we do when we request the intercession of Saints.
Church Fathers on Intercession
Early Church Fathers understood the importance of the Saints and their intercession, solidifying the belief in the intercessory role of the Saints, providing not only theological insight but also practical guidance for the early Christians. St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 AD) highlighted this concept with his statement, "In this way, the saints, having advanced through their virtues, pray for us." This profound declaration underscores the understanding that the Saints, through their exemplary lives and closeness to God, have the capacity to intercede on behalf of the faithful on Earth. St. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407 AD), a Church Father and Archbishop of Constantinople, wrote extensively about the intercessory power of the Saints. He affirmed that just as we might seek the prayers of righteous friends on Earth, we can also turn to the Saints, who now dwell in the presence of God, as powerful advocates for our spiritual needs. These early Church Fathers' writings not only affirmed the idea of the Saints' prayers being effective but also provided a theological foundation for the practice of seeking their intercession, which has endured as an essential aspect of Catholic spirituality.
The Communion of Saints
Our understanding of intercession is tied to the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. This doctrine teaches that the Church extends beyond the earthly realm and encompasses the Saints in Heaven as well as the souls in transition (be it through the doctrine of Purgatory in the Catholic tradition or the Orthodox understanding of the purification phase after death (understood by some as “the toll houses”). It acknowledges a spiritual connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death, allowing for intercessory prayers.
Role of Mary as Intercessor
Within the Catholic/Orthodox communion, we hold a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos which means “God-bearer”. The title "Theotokos" holds profound theological significance in Christianity, particularly within the context of the Virgin Mary's role in the life of Jesus Christ. At the heart of this title is the recognition of Mary's unique and pivotal role in salvation history. By affirming Mary as Theotokos, we emphasize that she bore in her womb and gave birth to Jesus, who is both fully divine and fully human. This affirmation is not a declaration that Mary gave birth to the divine essence of God the Father but rather that she bore the divine Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity, within her.
The Bible underscores the importance of Mary's role as Theotokos as found in the Gospel of St. John specifically at the crucifixion scene. While Jesus hung on the cross, he turned to his beloved disciple John and to his mother Mary, saying, "Woman, behold your son!" and to John, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27). This moment is profoundly significant because it demonstrates Jesus' concern for his mother's well-being even in the midst of his suffering. By entrusting Mary to John's care and vice versa, Jesus affirmed Mary as not only his earthly mother but also as a spiritual mother to all believers. This passage has been understood as a symbolic representation of Mary's maternal role within the Christian community and her intercessory role in the lives of believers. Mary, as Theotokos, is seen as a loving and compassionate mother who cares for and nurtures the spiritual well-being of her children, guiding them closer to her divine Son, Jesus Christ.
Just as a child may turn to their mother for help, we seek Mary's intercession, recognizing her as the Mother of the Church. Church Father St. Irenaeus (c. 130-202 AD) affirmed her role, stating, "Mary, through whom we were given the Light of Salvation, is the cause of our joy."
Guardians of Our Faith
Saints serve as exemplary models of faith, virtue, and perseverance. Their life stories inspire us to live more holy lives and draw nearer to God. When we seek their intercession, it's not just about requesting favors but also about seeking their guidance on our spiritual journey.
Avoiding Misunderstandings
It's important to address potential misunderstandings about intercession, which is the cause of a lot of grief for Protestants and new converts to the Apostolic faith; We DO NOT view the Saints as rivals to Christ; rather, they complement His grace by praying in harmony with Him, and for us.
The power of intercession by the Saints is a cherished and beloved aspect of our Apostolic faith, steeped in tradition, and supported by biblical principles and the writings of the early Church Fathers. It highlights the interconnectedness of the mystical Body of Christ, bridging the realms of Earth and Heaven, which are the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant.
Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us!
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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