Can you help me resolve my difficulties with Marian doctrines?
The short answer
Jesus alone is our Redeemer in the ultimate sense, but he used human cooperators — prophets, Joseph, and above all Mary. Titles like co-redemptrix and mediatrix can mislead, so the Church has not infallibly proclaimed them. At Cana Jesus worked his first miracle at her request; appreciating Mary means appreciating her Son more.
One Redeemer
Jesus is, plain and simple, our only Redeemer in the ultimate sense; only God could make up for an offense against his divinity.
Cooperators
In becoming man he used human beings: the prophets, the last being John the Baptist; Joseph as foster father; and most of all Mary, who bore, nursed and raised him. All cooperated in his saving work and in varying degrees could be called co-redeemers, but Mary is singled out by her unique role. God chose her; she did not seek it.
Careful titles
What is said of "co-redemptrix" also applies to "mediatrix": because these terms can be highly misleading, the Church has not infallibly proclaimed them.
Cana
Jesus worked his first miracle at her request — she only said, "They have no wine." He could have acted alone, but chose to include her intercession, showing how accessible he is. To truly appreciate Mary is to appreciate her Son all the more.
Continue exploring
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