In Logic, we learn that at the top of a genus is a “most general genus”. This is a genus which does not serve as a species to any higher genus. The most general genus divides into species. These species, however act as genera to species within them. This continues down to the “most special species” which does not divide into species, but contains only individuals.
In this classification system, we see (a) one class that is genus but is species to none, (b) one class that is species to one genus but genus to no species, and (c) many classes that are species of genera above them and genera of species beneath them.
I think salvation is arranged in a similar way.
Christ is the Savior of all and is saved by none. The weakest are saved by many and save none. Between them are many who are saved by some one or more above them, but are the saviors of many beneath them. Christ is the Savior of the saviors.
There is no contradiction then if we say that “There is on Mediator between man and God, the man Christ Jesus.” and then say that this or that Saint mediates for us. This does not make the Saint the Savior, but one of many saviors who is himself saved by another.
St. Paul tells us that we receive comfort from God, which enables us to comfort others. Does this deny that God is the Comforter? No. God, however, appears to comfort others through those whom He comforts. God is the Comforter of comforters and Christ is the Mediator of mediators and the Savior of savious.
So, when I am weak and in need of help, it is not necessary that I appeal to the Strongest of all. We never do this in life. We appeal to one who is stronger than us and of sufficient strength to provide the help we need. This is why it is natural for a man to feel compelled to appeal to a Saint for assistance rather than “go directly to God”. Protestants argue that it makes no sense why we would pray to a Saint if we could pray directly to God, but it actually makes perfect sense why we would do so. The Protestant also contradicts himself in this argument throughout the day, everyday, as he appeals to men to help him in a thousand ways when he judges human strength sufficient for the help he needs.
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