Who is our Mediator?

"For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can recive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under the first covenant." (Heb 9:14b-15)"For God did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf."(Heb 9:25)

Just a few days ago I was able to visit the basilica, La Villa, which is dedicated to the virgin saint Guadalupe - or as she is now called Maria Guadalupe, the mother of Jesus. This basilica was constructed because a man "encountered" or had a vision of her on this particular hill, and she told him to construct a temple in her honor. So, in order to make a long story short, he did. This happened in the 16th century, approximately. Currently, at this location there are three temples built in honor of this saint. Masses are held daily, where people pray to her for her to intercede on their behalf. They also bring pictures of this saint, and have them blessed so that they can bring them home, and therefore recieve a blessing on their homes. Once a year, a great pilgrimage takes place where people crawl up to the basilica whipping themselves, and hoping to gain favor and forgiveness for their sins.

As I admired the architecture of the different buildings, I couldn't help but feel sad for the people who believe that this is the way to heaven. Later I came across the verse quoted above. It speaks the old covenant, which for the Jews meant salvation by works and sacrifices, and where a priest mediated and interceded on the people's behalf for the forgiveness of sins; was being replaced by the new covenant in Jesus Christ. He is our mediator before God. We don't need priests, or Mary or any of the other saints to take our prayers to God and convince Him to help us. We have direct access to God through Jesus. Jesus died so that this is possible. I often forget and take for granted the magnitude of what Jesus has done for me and for everyone. This trip and this verse reminded me, and I am so thankful. But more is necessary. People need to know. It isn't enough that I realize and accept this gift, I need to tell others - because people are seeking, they are just looking in the wrong places.