Intercession

Definition

Intercession refers to the act of intervening on behalf of another, especially in a religious context where one seeks the favor or help of a divine power for someone else's benefit. In the context of relics and their veneration, intercession plays a crucial role as believers turn to saints and their relics to mediate between them and God, hoping for healing, protection, or guidance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intercession is believed to take place when a saint prays for or assists the faithful who seek their help through relics.
2. The cult of relics gained prominence during the early Middle Ages, as Christians sought tangible connections to saints for intercessory power.
3. Reliquaries, which are containers for relics, often feature elaborate designs that reflect the importance of intercession in religious life.
4. Intercession through relics is often associated with miraculous healing stories, reinforcing the belief in their power and significance.
5. The practice of seeking intercession continues today, with many believers visiting shrines and reliquaries to ask for divine assistance through saints.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of intercession relate to the role of saints in the veneration of relics?
  • Intercession is intrinsically connected to the role of saints in that believers view saints as mediators who can present their prayers and needs before God. When individuals venerate relics associated with saints, they are invoking the power of these holy figures to intercede on their behalf. This relationship emphasizes the importance of saints in the spiritual lives of believers, as they are seen as accessible figures who can influence divine favor.
• Discuss the impact of the cult of relics on Christian practices and beliefs regarding intercession during the Middle Ages.
  • The cult of relics profoundly influenced Christian practices and beliefs about intercession during the Middle Ages by establishing a physical connection between the faithful and the divine. As relics became central to worship and pilgrimage, they facilitated the belief that saints could intervene in human affairs through their connection to these sacred objects. This led to an increase in devotion towards saints, rituals surrounding relics, and communal gatherings where believers sought collective intercession for healing and protection.
• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of intercession in contemporary religious practices and how it reflects historical beliefs in the power of relics.
  • Intercession remains relevant in contemporary religious practices as many believers continue to seek the aid of saints through prayer and veneration of relics. This modern appeal reflects historical beliefs about the efficacy of intercessory prayer and tangible connections to divine powers. In today's context, visitors to shrines not only honor saints but also embody centuries-old traditions where personal faith intersects with communal identity. The persistence of this practice demonstrates how historical beliefs have adapted yet retained their core essence within modern spirituality.

Related terms

Relic: A relic is a physical object that has a connection to a saint or martyr, often considered sacred and worthy of veneration in religious practices.

Saint: A saint is a person recognized for their holiness and virtue in Christianity, often seen as an intercessor who can plead on behalf of the faithful.

Pilgrimage: Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place undertaken for spiritual reasons, often involving visits to sites that house relics of saints.