YOUCAT Question n. 146 - Part III. 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 958) Communion with the dead. "In full
consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the
Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian
religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and 'because
it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be
loosed from their sins' she offers her suffrages for them" (LG 50; cf. 2
Macc 12:45). Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also
of making their intercession for us effective.
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 959) In the one family of God. "For if
we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity -
all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ - we will be
faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church" (LG 51; cf. Heb 3:6).
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