I could go cynical and worldly with this, and probably will in spots. That is just me. Read nothing into it. We live in the world and it affects us.
Catholics can and do talk to God directly. Make no mistake on that. He speaks to everyone, regardless of if they wish it or not. He listens to everyone all the time.
Yet we have the idea of intercession and confession. Sometimes, in court, in discussion, even down the pub, you need someone to talk for you. Someone at one remove from Him, who you do not feel so worthless and insignificant talking to and admitting your failings.
And, from a purely sarcastic and secular point of view, sometimes people need Mom.
I do envy my friends in the Protestant faiths who talk daily and directly to Him. I do, much of the time. Most of my friends in the Catholic faith do. But, sometimes, you are ashamed, you know? It is slightly easier to talk to a Saint than directly to Him. He still hears, and you are more honest in talking to a saint or the Virgin than you would be in talking to Him.
It is a natural outgrowth of confession. I know enough of you to know you are a good person.
Would you stand up in the middle of church and recite your sins for all to hear? Not doctrinal things - actual sins, and we all have them.
Few would. It is easier to speak of such things in the confessional, where your judge has no face. The Saint's at least, are an extension of that. Me, I have never prayed to the Blessed Virgin but once - she is, to use the phrase, way beyond my pay grade (she answered, but it is a bit personal).
Yet confessions we all hear. Ever travelled? Long flight, terrible movie and you can't sleep. You wind up talking to the person sat next to you. You tell them things you would not tell your own mother - because you will never, ever see them again.
Then, there is a secondary aspect. “Ask and you shall receive” is a problem for a church that prays to give thanks only.
We do. We pray for others all the time. But not really for ourselves. Asking someone to pray for us is less, I don't know, aggressive?
God owes us nothing for our worship. We owe him all.
I saw a wonderful cartoon once, a bunch of saints in an office, writing out huge ledgers of prayers and one saying to another, “If I knew then what I know now, I'd have sinned HARD.”
Just my opinion, but hope it helps.
“He listens to everyone all the time.”
Just wanted to add - I wish I had his call plan!
“It is easier to speak of such things in the confessional, where your judge has no face.”
It’s funny, but I have a Catholic friend at work who talks about going to “ open face confessional” at his church....its just that the details are kept confidential.
Whether it is to a pastor, priest, deacon, or just very close friends, the Bible says to “confess our faults to one another.” Its very good psychology.
Beautifully and redemptively put.
Thx thx.
We all need people to talk to, real flesh and blood people at that.
Yes, we take our problems and concerns to God in prayer, but there’s something so helpful about talking to another flesh and blood human being and getting the direct and immediate feedback from them that helps us work through our issues.
They can sympathize if they’ve been there. They can offer an outside perspective with clarity of thought when we’re so mired down we can’t see or think clearly. They can tell us how they worked through similar situations themselves and offer encouragement that way.
And yes, there is a place for openness and honesty in confessing to each other our faults, and sins, and weaknesses. And that’s not for forgiveness as no one man can grant forgiveness for sin that is only God’s to give for salvation. But if we have offended the person to whom we’re talking, then yes, by all means ask them to forgive you in addition to seeking it from God. But that is more for healing of relationships than a salvation issue.
There is something very healing about being able to be open like that with someone you trust. It can help you learn to put stuff behind you and move on and it can be of benefit with accountability if you so desire.
It is not good for a man to be alone. Adam had perfect fellowship with God and yet it was still not good for him to be alone. And Adam was perfect at that point. As fallen human beings, I think that need for others is exacerbated.