Expert: Sal - 12/27/2004

Question
If Mary is called propetual virgin, why does the bible mention Jesus' brothers?  

Also, If Jesus as the bible states in the NT, is the only way to the Father, why do catholics feel the need to go thru Mary and Saints at all?  A catholic friend of mine told me to bury a statue of a saint in my yard to help the sale of my house? Sounds like not having faith in the Father to do what is best.  I am sure this is not catholic doctrine :-), but why do so many catholics pray to saints. Aren't all believers in Christ and his gift of salvation saints?  

Also I wonder why catholics beieve in works as a way to salvation.  I have been taught by grace thru faith.  Works are a result of our wanting to serve, not a way to earn "points".    I know that it is more complicated than just works, but I feel that if we could ever "earn" our way to heaven, Christ died for nothing.

And lastly, why do folks with the stigmata bleed from the palms and feet, when historically crucifiction was done at the wrists and ankles to prevent tearing.  I often wondered this and wondered what catholics think of this.   

Sorry so long, but wanted to as a few ?'s at once :-)  

Answer
Hello again Karen:

Let me assure you that Catholics do not believe in “works salvation”. The Second Council of Orange in 529 AD condemned the belief that one can perform good works in order to earn heaven. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). For works to be truly “good” they must be performed after having received grace. Grace is a supernatural free gift from God. It is necessary for salvation. God gives sufficient grace to each individual for his salvation. “But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift” (Ephesians 4:7). “And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16).

Although salvation is not by works alone, works are necessary along with faith for salvation. “What does it profit my brethren if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can this faith save him?” (James 2:14). No, it cannot save. “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17; cf. 2:26). Good works performed in faith preceded by the grace of God are pleasing to Him. God will reward us for what we do (Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 10:21; Luke 14:14; John 5:29; Colossians 3:24-25; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 2:23, 26; 22:12). However, these good works are all the work of God's grace “lest any man should boast”. This is how St. James can declare, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).

The Stigmata may be psychosomatic. The mind of the individual may play a big role in the placement, size, and shape of the wounds. Some have only wounds on the hands and feet while others have wounds on the head, side, back, and/or knees. Some do have wounds on the wrists such as Brother Gino Burresi of Italy. I find that, generally speaking, Catholics do not know or care much about the Stigmata.

Thanks very much for the questions. If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to ask.

God Bless You,
Sal