Is it a waste of time to visit a grave?

[admonsta]

Is it important to visit the grave sites of our loved ones? What benefit is there? I’m concerned that if I go to my brother’s grave, it’s as if I’m going to visit him, when I know that only his body is there. I wonder if I’d be wasting my time or putting on a show that was in essence empty. I pray for him frequently, but if there is anything extra to be gained by visiting the burial site, I’d be happy to do that too.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Christians have long considered it important to show respect and honor for the human remains of the deceased. Human remains of deceased saints are relics through which God can impart grace; but even the remains of non-saintly humans are important because of the dignity of the human person whose soul once was joined to them and will be again when Christ comes in glory. And, Christian sensibilities aside, humans have long recognized the importance of visiting the graves of people they love or otherwise care about. Why else would many countries construct tombs for unknown soldiers, if not for the importance of honoring their war dead? Why else would families spend money for the carving of tombstones with biographies and inspirational messages about the deceased, if not so they could visit in the future and be reminded of the importance of their loved one’s life?