Whenever our Blessed
Mother is referred to as a co-redemptrix or mediatrix, some people
object and quote 1 Tim 2:5 that says Jesus is the one
mediator. But in 1 Cor. 9:22, St. Paul says he became all things to
all people so that he might save some. Not being the
Redeemer, how could he do that? In 1 Tim 4:16, St. Paul encourages
Timothy to adhere to his teaching so that he (Timothy) might save
others as well as himself. Huh? What about the one mediator? To
see how these statements are not contradictory and to be able to
answer the objections some may have, it’s important to understand
the difference between an efficient cause and an instrumental cause.
An efficient
cause is the source of an action, without which there can be
no effect. If you choose not to write a letter, it won’t get
written. An instrumental cause is one that assists the
efficient cause in bringing about an effect. When you decide to
write your letter, a pencil could be an instrumental cause to assist
you. So could a pen or a computer, or any other means that helps
you, the efficient cause, to get it written. Now apply this to
salvation.
First of all and
most importantly, Jesus truly is the only Redeemer, thus making Him
the one mediator between God and man. That also makes Him the
efficient or principal cause of all things, for without Him we
can do nothing (John 15:5). We, however, become instrumental
causes when we act on His behalf. Although Jesus is the efficient
cause and source of our salvation and without Him no one is saved,
any one of us can participate as an instrumental cause by praying, teaching God’s Word, giving proper example, etc. God’s graces
help us, His “instruments”, to act in this regard. Per Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:47): For so the Lord commanded us, "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth."
St. Paul never
implies that he is the source or direct cause of anyone’s
salvation, and in fact he says just the opposite (1 Cor. 3:5-9).
Neither do we imply this when we acknowledge the special role of our
Blessed Mother. Rather, we recognize the potential for someone to be
a co-worker and instrument of God to effect another’s salvation.
All of us have that same potential simply by knowing and living the
apostolic faith taught by the guidance of the Holy Spirit in and
through the Catholic Church.
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