"Intercession" vs. "Mediation"

[BillH]

So, I was flipping through this inter-web doo-hickey looking for some prayers to the Holy Family that we might be able to incorporate into our wedding, and I came across the following:

O most loving Jesus, Who by Thy ineffable virtues and by the example of Thy domestic life didst consecrate the family which Thou didst choose on earth; in Thy clemency look down upon this household humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee, for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving kindness, preserve us from every danger, give us help in the time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully upon earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven.

O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers.

And do thou, O glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer by the hands of Mary our prayers to Jesus.

Amen.

So, in the Mary part, we mention her "intercession" while in the Joseph part, we mention his "mediation." Is there some theological difference between the two terms, or is the same thing by another name to avoid repetition?

 

[Carrye]

To mediate is stronger than to intercede. Usually we speak of the Son being the mediator between us and the Father. We speak of Mary's intercession with her Son. Also, mediation involves 3 parties; intercession involves two.

Here it seems, perhaps, that it's speaking of Joseph mediating between Mary (and us?)

Or maybe I'm off my rocker.

 

[BillH]

To mediate is stronger than to intercede. Usually we speak of the Son being the mediator between us and the Father. We speak of Mary's intercession with her Son. Also, mediation involves 3 parties; intercession involves two.

Here it seems, perhaps, that it's speaking of Joseph mediating between Mary (and us?)

Or maybe I'm off my rocker.

Thanks!

That's kinda what I was thinking too. In our version, "mediation" might become "intercession" simply because I have no idea what the prayer means by that.

 

[Adammi]

To mediate is stronger than to intercede. Usually we speak of the Son being the mediator between us and the Father. We speak of Mary's intercession with her Son. Also, mediation involves 3 parties; intercession involves two.

Here it seems, perhaps, that it's speaking of Joseph mediating between Mary (and us?)

Or maybe I'm off my rocker.

I think that is the meaning also.

I believe that would play in with Mary being the Mediatrix of all graces, because, from the perspective of this prayer, even St. Joseph's prayers would be answered by the Blessed Mother.

I would usually just skip over word differences without noticing things, I'm glad you pointed this out Bill, I'll be sure to pay attention to every word now.

 

[geocajun]

My guess (and this is a guess) is that Joeseph, being the family Father is the priest (mediator) of the home (holy family) under the jewish tradition.

 

[geocajun]

Also, the fundamental difference between mediation and intercession is that mediators work to 'reconsile' whereas intercessors just operate between two parties.