A First Look: The Saints and Intercession
As we prepare the December edition of Always Toward the Light magazine, Light Has Come, one of the feature articles will explore a question that comes up often in conversations between Catholics and Protestants: Why do Catholics ask the saints to pray for us if Jesus is the one Mediator?
I want to share a first look at this theme here. This is not the full article, but it offers some of the basics and a sense of where we are headed.
One Mediator, Yet Many Intercessors
The Bible is clear: “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Catholics believe this wholeheartedly. Worship belongs to God alone, and Christ alone bridges heaven and earth.
But the Bible also commands, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Within Christ’s Body, prayer flows in every direction. When we ask each other to pray, we are not saying Christ is not enough. We are sharing in His mediation, just as St. Paul himself urged.
The Saints Have Already Interceded
One of the most accessible ways to understand this is that the saints have already interceded through their lives. Scripture says of Abel, “Through his faith, though he died, he still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4). And Hebrews 12 calls the heroes of faith a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us.
Their witness itself prays for us.
When we ask, “Mother Teresa, help me to see Christ in the poorest of the poor,” her words echo: “Take whatever He gives, and give whatever He takes, all with a big smile.” That example still points us back to God.
When we ask, “Blessed Virgin, help me to always say ‘Yes’ to Our Lord,” her words at Cana still resound: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).
When we ask, “St. Thérèse, help me to trust God in the little things,” her “little way” continues to guide us.
When we ask, “St. Joseph, help me to be a good father,” his quiet righteousness in Scripture is already intercession by example.
God Is Not Limited
Of course, God is not bound to inspiration alone. Jesus said that the saints are alive to God (Luke 20:38). Revelation 5:8 portrays the prayers of the saints rising before His throne. So their love, already united to Christ, can also touch us in real time, whether through ordinary grace or extraordinary miracles.
Always Toward Christ
This is the heart of Catholic teaching on intercession: the saints do not draw us away from Christ. They magnify Him. Their lives, their prayers, and their witness all point us back to Him.
This is only a first look. In the December issue of Always Toward the Light, we will explore these truths in greater depth, with Scripture, history, and reflection on how intercession actually shapes our daily walk with Christ. For now, remember this: every saint, in their own way, echoes the words of Mary at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.”
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If you are interested in being a contributor, we are currently considering entries that go along with the December theme: Light Has Come. The focus is on how the seasons of Advent and Christmas lift our hearts and minds to the joy that Christ brings into our lives. If you’re interested in additional guidelines, please email me at: hello@alwaystowardthelight.org.
Great article! If a person is ready and willing to help us on earth, why wouldn't they continue to intercede for us in Heaven. Keep spreading the word, and best wishes as you continue your work through your wonderful magazine!