Thursday, June 9, 2016

Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 146 - Part IV.



YOUCAT Question n. 146 - Part IV. 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 960) The Church is a "communion of saints": this expression refers first to the "holy things" (sancta), above all the Eucharist, by which "the unity of believers, who form one body in Christ, is both represented and brought about" (LG 3). (CCC 961) The term "communion of saints" refers also to the communion of "holy persons" (sancti) in Christ who "died for all," so that what each one does or suffers in and for Christ bears fruit for all.     

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 962) "We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers" (Paul VI, CPG § 30).      

(The next question is: Why does Mary have such a preeminent place in the communion of saints?)

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