Saints: The Spiritual Mutual Fund (Part 1)

Do you have a relationship with the saints? In this two-part series, Jeff focuses on the concept of the 'communion of saints' and compares it to a 'spiritual mutual fund.' He explains the importance of the saints, their role in heaven, and how they intercede for us on Earth. With references to the Catechism and the teachings of St. John Paul II, Jeff delves into why the saints are essential along our faith journey. 

Snippet from the Show

The Communion of Saints is a spiritual union of all the members of the Church. In Christ, we cannot be separated from each other. 

Shownotes

Catechism References

CCC 946 “After confessing ‘the holy catholic Church,’ the Apostles’ Creed adds ‘the communion of saints.’ This article is a further explanation of ‘the Church’...”

CCC 947 “Since all the faithful form one body, the good of each is communicated to the others. . . . We must therefore believe that there exists a communion of goods in the Church. But the most important member is Christ, since he is the head. . . . Therefore, the riches of Christ are communicated to all the members through the sacraments.” “As this Church is governed by one and the same Spirit, all the goods she has received necessarily become a common fund.

CCC 956 “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness... they do not cease to intercede with the Father for us...”

CCC 828 “By canonizing some of the faithful... the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness... and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors.”

CCC 971 (speaking of Mary but applicable to saints generally): “The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship... This very special devotion... differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word...”

Scripture References

Revelation 5:8 describes the saints in Heaven offering “the prayers of the holy ones” to God.

Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us — traditionally interpreted as the saints who are aware of our lives.