YOUCAT Question n. 146 - Part II. What does the “communion of saints” mean?
(Youcat
answer - repeated) The “communion of saints” is made up of all men who have
placed their hope in Christ and belong to him through Baptism, whether they
have already died or are still alive. Because in Christ we are one Body; we
live in a communion that encompasses heaven and earth.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 957 a)
Communion with the saints. "It is
not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in
heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal
charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened.
Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to
Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from
its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God
itself" (LG 50; cf. Eph 4:1-6):
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment)
The Church is larger
and more alive than we think. Among her members are the living and the deceased
(whether they are still undergoing a process of purification or are already in
the glory of God), individuals known and unknown, great saints and inconspicuous
persons. We can help one another even beyond the grave. We can call on our
patrons and favorite saints, but also our departed relatives and friends whom
we believe are already with God. Conversely, by our intercessory prayer, we can
come to the aid of our dear departed who are still undergoing purification.
Whatever theindividual does or suffers in and for Christ benefits all.
Conversely, this unfortunately means also that every sin harms the communion.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 957 b)
We worship Christ as God's Son; we love the martyrs as the Lord's disciples and
imitators, and rightly so because of their matchless devotion towards their
king and master. May we also be their companions and fellow disciples! (Martyrium Polycarpi, 17: Apostolic Fathers II/3, 396).
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