Communion of the Saints?

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I’m very interested in having an understanding of the communion of the saints (you noticed I said “understanding”, not “better understanding” because I really don’t think I have a good basic concept :o ).

I did a search on CA and didn’t find a lot of information.

Thanks!
 
A quick answer …

God is the God of the living …

We are all saints … we are called to pray for each other …

Scripture show people [in heaven] praying Revelations: the martyrs aske Jesus when they are going to be vindicated … his response is that their numbers are not yet complete] also in revelations the prayers of those on earth are caried on bowls and rise like incense …

Lazarus, Abraham and the Rich Man … they recognize each other [well Lazarus and the Rich Man knew each other on earth but neither would have been contemporary with Abraham] they communicate across the great divide [heaven - or perhaps a place od preparation for heaven and hell - a place of torment].

The Rich Man requests intercession - water from Lazarus and a message sent to his brothers …

Jesus, Peter, James and John at the transfiguration recognize Elijah and Moses who meet with adn communicate with Jesus …

The emptying of tombs [where peopel long dead were recognized] during the time Jesus was on the cross…

And all of the sightings of Jesus after His resurrection…

not to mention intersession for the dead in Maccabbes …

God is the God of the living and not the dead … the God of OUr Father Abrahan, of Isaac and of Jacob … all those who are God’s people [through all time- past, present and future] form the Communion of Saints …

Hope this helps … 🙂
 
We are all a part of the communion of saints.
We the church Militant, the people here on earth.
The Church Triumphant are those who have gone before us.
We are all part of the body(family) and work together for the salvation of souls.

others will probably tell more and better explain than I.
 
Oh I forgot.

The Mystical body is the Angels.

The Angels are part of the comunion of saints also.
 
YADA said:
A quick answer …

God is the God of the living …

We are all saints … we are called to pray for each other …

Scripture show people [in heaven] praying Revelations: the martyrs aske Jesus when they are going to be vindicated … his response is that their numbers are not yet complete] also in revelations the prayers of those on earth are caried on bowls and rise like incense …

Lazarus, Abraham and the Rich Man … they recognize each other [well Lazarus and the Rich Man knew each other on earth but neither would have been contemporary with Abraham] they communicate across the great divide [heaven - or perhaps a place od preparation for heaven and hell - a place of torment].

The Rich Man requests intercession - water from Lazarus and a message sent to his brothers …

Jesus, Peter, James and John at the transfiguration recognize Elijah and Moses who meet with adn communicate with Jesus …

The emptying of tombs [where peopel long dead were recognized] during the time Jesus was on the cross…

And all of the sightings of Jesus after His resurrection…

not to mention intersession for the dead in Maccabbes …

God is the God of the living and not the dead … the God of OUr Father Abrahan, of Isaac and of Jacob … all those who are God’s people [through all time- past, present and future] form the Communion of Saints …

Hope this helps … 🙂
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Yes - it does help. Thank you for Biblical references - the transfiguration, the emptying of the tombs, the Jesus sightings, and Jesus’ statement to the Pharisee’s about God being the God of the living, not the dead - all these I connect to the communion of the saints. This tells me I’m on the right track …

Being raised Baptist and later attending other protestant churches, I haven’t really been exposed to Macabees (but I have a NRSV Bible I can reference).

And the book of Revelation(s) is something that I’ve never understood (again, Baptist teaching was all about prophesy and much of that was frightening). I think I’m correct in believing that Catholic teaching is different regarding the interpretation.

Any suggestions of reading materials/study guides in reading Revelation(s)?
 
Oh - thank you Chellow for the link to the New American Bible. I see there are references listed there for better understanding of Revelations.
 
DDClark said:
Any suggestions of reading materials/study guides in reading Revelation(s)?
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The Lamb’s Supper, by Dr. Scott Hahn, SFO. 🙂

Here is the Catechism’s response to your original question:

I believe in the communion of saints
  1. What is the meaning of the “communion of saints”?
946-953
960

This expression indicates first of all the common sharing of all the members of the Church in holy things (sancta): the faith, the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the charisms, and the other spiritual gifts. At the root of this communion is love which “does not seek its own interests” (1 Corinthians 13:5) but leads the faithful to “hold everything in common” (Acts 4:32), even to put one’s own material goods at the service of the most poor.
  1. What else does “the communion of saints” mean?
954-959
961-962

This expression also refers to the communion between holy persons (sancti); that is, between those who by grace are united to the dead and risen Christ. Some are pilgrims on the earth; others, having passed from this life, are undergoing purification and are helped also by our prayers. Others already enjoy the glory of God and intercede for us. All of these together form in Christ one family, the Church, to the praise and glory of the Trinity.

We sometimes refer to these three groups as The Church Militant (here on earth); The Church Suffering (in Purgatory); and The Church Triumphant (in Heaven). 🙂
 
Thank you Blossom for your reply 🙂

If you come back to this thread, and any others as well could you answer this question?

How is the communion of saints a part of your daily life?

That may be bad wording, but I want to understand because I know this could have a direct impact on my life. How I pray and understand prayer and such …
 
Read Scott Hahn’s book “The Lamb’s Supper The Mass as Heaven on Earth” a good exegesis of the Book of Revelation …

If you read Revealtion [especially the first part] and attend Mass you can’t help but see the parallels …

It begins with John imprisoned on the “Lord’s Day” [Sunday] who is then taken up to heaven for the heavenly liturgy …

Seven readings [we have 4 on Sundays if you include the Responsorial Psalm] … Lamp Stand [used in the Temple], Jesus [both as the slain lamb and the hish priest dressed in gold vesments], intercessory prayers, the singing of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” and the “Lamb of God”
 
jmcrae said:
The Lamb’s Supper, by Dr. Scott Hahn, SFO. 🙂

Here is the Catechism’s response to your original question:

I believe in the communion of saints
  1. What is the meaning of the “communion of saints”?
946-953
960

This expression indicates first of all the common sharing of all the members of the Church in holy things (sancta): the faith, the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the charisms, and the other spiritual gifts. At the root of this communion is love which “does not seek its own interests” (1 Corinthians 13:5) but leads the faithful to “hold everything in common” (Acts 4:32), even to put one’s own material goods at the service of the most poor.
  1. What else does “the communion of saints” mean?
954-959
961-962

This expression also refers to the communion between holy persons (sancti); that is, between those who by grace are united to the dead and risen Christ. Some are pilgrims on the earth; others, having passed from this life, are undergoing purification and are helped also by our prayers. Others already enjoy the glory of God and intercede for us. All of these together form in Christ one family, the Church, to the praise and glory of the Trinity.

We sometimes refer to these three groups as The Church Militant (here on earth); The Church Suffering (in Purgatory); and The Church Triumphant (in Heaven). 🙂
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Okay - I’m following (I think) so far 🙂 .

I’ve some of Scott Hahn’s writings, so I just put the Lamb’s Supper on hold at the library (having a library with an excellent online system is wonderful). Having two recommendations is even better (thanks Yada - I didn’t know what the book was about till now).
 
How is the communion of saints a part of my daily life?

Mostly I would say that prayer is the most important. I pray regularly for others and I hope that others pray for me. Knowing that we are all in this together is very reassuring to me. We are members of a very large family. I know that the prayers of those who have made it to heaven are very helpful for me. I’m sure my mother is praying for me now as much or more than when she was here on earth.

We as the church militant are engaging in battle together in many ways, such as spreading the word of God, taking care of those in need physically, emotionally and spiritually. As a catholic I pray for those in purgatory also.

Thank you for your respectful way of learning about the Catholic faith, it is truly a breath of fresh air compared to most who just want to pick on the catholic faith.
 
blossom02 said:
How is the communion of saints a part of my daily life?

Mostly I would say that prayer is the most important. I pray regularly for others and I hope that others pray for me. Know that we are all in this together is very reassuring to me. We are members of a very large family. I know that the prayers of those who have made it to heaven are very helpful for me. I’m sure my mother is praying for me now as much or more than when she was here on earth.

We as the church militant are engaging in battle together in many ways, such as speading the word of God, taking care of those in need physically, emotionally and spiritually. As a catholic I pray for those in purgatory also.

Thank you for your respectful way of learning about the Catholic faith, it is truly a breath of fresh air compaired to most who just want to pick on the catholic faith.
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You are kind to respond to my questions 🙂

I want to learn, because as much as I love my mother and give credit to the church of my childhood for my exposure to the love of Christ, I can’t reconcile things in a “Baptist” way anymore.

It’s only through learning that I can really begin to reconcile what I believe with where I should ultimately be church-wise. I still have lots of unanswered questions, but I’m persistent (a strength and a weakness).

Thank you for sharing about your prayers - especially what you said about your mother.
 
DDClark said:
Thank you Blossom for your reply 🙂

If you come back to this thread, and any others as well could you answer this question?

How is the communion of saints a part of your daily life?
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In many ways. First, when I was Confirmed, I took the name of St. Teresa of Avila, so any time anyone calls me “Teresa” I am connected to my Patron Saint in Heaven. Also, because she is my Patron Saint, I pay special attention to her writings, and when her name is mentioned for any reason in Church. (She wrote one of the prayers that we use in Youth Group, for example.)

Second, when I go to Mass, I am very conscious of the Church Militant surrounding me, making intercession with their prayers, and I am also conscious of the Saints in Heaven and the Angels surrounding the altar at the moment of the Consecration. I am also reminded that they are with us whenever we pray the Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy) just before the Consecration. The priest also briefly mentions the Saints in his prayers.

Third, when I pray the Rosary, I am intensely aware that our blessed Mother, Mary is helping me to pray it, and using it to bring me closer to her Son.

Fourth, I wear the Brown Scapular, and every time it itches, I remember St. Elijah in the wilderness, hearing the still small voice of God, and I remember the Carmelites, especially St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, and I remember St. Benedict, because I wear the Benedictine medal on my Scapular, and I think of all the holy girls and young women who dedicated their lives to listen to Jesus and bring us His good news - St. Faustina, St. Bernadette. Ste. Thérèse, St. Margaret Mary, and so on. And I also look at it and wonder, who is St. Simon Stock?

Fifth, I go to my parish and I look at all the stained glass windows and statues, and I am gradually getting to know the people behind the images. St. Augustine, looking so austere, who would think he had ever been a ladies’ man? St. Cecilia, looking so sweet, and so very young and shy; did she really stand up in the Symposium and convert four hundred pagan Romans with one well-delivered speech? I could go on all night, but I’ll let you come and see for yourself. 🙂
 
DDClark said:
Thank you! I have an dial-up connection to the Internet, but I’ll see what I can do about downloading the MP3’s.
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PM me with a list of the MP3 and an address and I’ll send you a CD or DVD. I have cable so it’ll be a snap.👍
 
jmcrae has a very beautiful way of expressing the family that we have in faith. As you come to know the stories of the saints you will know why we are so grateful for this family. The saints love for Jesus and other souls is more than heartwarming. They give us courage and models in our journey.

I will do some looking for audio for you. I listened to a talk from Rosilyn Moss and it is very clear. She is a Jewish convert and has a great understanding of the faith.
 
jmcrae said:
In many ways. First, when I was Confirmed, I took the name of St. Teresa of Avila, so any time anyone calls me “Teresa” I am connected to my Patron Saint in Heaven. Also, because she is my Patron Saint, I pay special attention to her writings, and when her name is mentioned for any reason in Church. (She wrote one of the prayers that we use in Youth Group, for example.)

Second, when I go to Mass, I am very conscious of the Church Militant surrounding me, making intercession with their prayers, and I am also conscious of the Saints in Heaven and the Angels surrounding the altar at the moment of the Consecration. I am also reminded that they are with us whenever we pray the Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy) just before the Consecration. The priest also briefly mentions the Saints in his prayers.

Third, when I pray the Rosary, I am intensely aware that our blessed Mother, Mary is helping me to pray it, and using it to bring me closer to her Son.

Fourth, I wear the Brown Scapular, and every time it itches, I remember St. Elijah in the wilderness, hearing the still small voice of God, and I remember the Carmelites, especially St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, and I remember St. Benedict, because I wear the Benedictine medal on my Scapular, and I think of all the holy girls and young women who dedicated their lives to listen to Jesus and bring us His good news - St. Faustina, St. Bernadette. Ste. Thérèse, St. Margaret Mary, and so on. And I also look at it and wonder, who is St. Simon Stock?

Fifth, I go to my parish and I look at all the stained glass windows and statues, and I am gradually getting to know the people behind the images. St. Augustine, looking so austere, who would think he had ever been a ladies’ man? St. Cecilia, looking so sweet, and so very young and shy; did she really stand up in the Symposium and convert four hundred pagan Romans with one well-delivered speech? I could go on all night, but I’ll let you come and see for yourself. 🙂
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Your second and third point makes the biggest impact on me. I can almost visualize the activity around the alter from what you said and that is pretty amazing.

I never thought about praying the rosary like you described it - or perhaps it never clicked. Mary helping me to become closer to Jesus (not leading me or interceding in the way I, as a Protestant, have thought about it). Baby steps …

And your fifth point - I’ve always felt close to God in Catholic churches. I wonder if the communion of saints is why??
 
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