Comments on: Prayers to the Saints http://blog.ancient-future.net/2008/04/08/prayers-to-the-saints/ The Ancient and Future Catholic Blog Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:30:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 By: Jeannette http://blog.ancient-future.net/2008/04/08/prayers-to-the-saints/#comment-3568 Jeannette Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:03:25 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/?p=1232#comment-3568 I was watching "Mulan" with my kids, and when the dad prayed to the ancestors, I realized that I should be doing that too! I've started asking the family ancestors to pray for me. (Don't worry, this isn't drifting into one of those 'all religions are equal' bits. We're Catholic as far back as I know.) Because, like jaybird hinted, I worry I'll be bothering the other guys but I know the family won't mind.. I was watching “Mulan” with my kids, and when the dad prayed to the ancestors, I realized that I should be doing that too! I’ve started asking the family ancestors to pray for me. (Don’t worry, this isn’t drifting into one of those ‘all religions are equal’ bits. We’re Catholic as far back as I know.) Because, like jaybird hinted, I worry I’ll be bothering the other guys but I know the family won’t mind..

]]> By: jaybird68 http://blog.ancient-future.net/2008/04/08/prayers-to-the-saints/#comment-3468 jaybird68 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:07:09 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/?p=1232#comment-3468 Thanks David and Jason. I agree with both of you that we here on earth need to always remember that we must make loving others an absolute priority in our lives. The Pope's encyclical expresses that beautifully, and I recommnend it to everyone. I just hadn't related that idea to the saints in heaven too. They must be jumping at the chance to be called upon by us to pray for them. It's not a "bother," it's a blessing, because they can follow after their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. I'm sure they consider it a privilege. As someone who doesn't like to ask for help, this idea helps me gain confidence in that area. Thanks David and Jason. I agree with both of you that we here on earth need to always remember that we must make loving others an absolute priority in our lives. The Pope’s encyclical expresses that beautifully, and I recommnend it to everyone.

I just hadn’t related that idea to the saints in heaven too. They must be jumping at the chance to be called upon by us to pray for them. It’s not a “bother,” it’s a blessing, because they can follow after their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. I’m sure they consider it a privilege.

As someone who doesn’t like to ask for help, this idea helps me gain confidence in that area.

]]> By: David Bennett http://blog.ancient-future.net/2008/04/08/prayers-to-the-saints/#comment-3465 David Bennett Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:00:35 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/?p=1232#comment-3465 This is an excellent reflection. I think individualism is so ingrained in American religion, that we rarely think of the communion we have with believers, living on earth, and those in heaven. As you say, many American Christians think of their relationship with God as you used to, as "me and Jesus," while historical Christianity views the issue far more communally (although ultimately the individual makes the decision about whether to follow God). When communion with God is reduced to God and the individual, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend why a Catholic would ask for the prayers of saints. This is an excellent reflection. I think individualism is so ingrained in American religion, that we rarely think of the communion we have with believers, living on earth, and those in heaven. As you say, many American Christians think of their relationship with God as you used to, as “me and Jesus,” while historical Christianity views the issue far more communally (although ultimately the individual makes the decision about whether to follow God). When communion with God is reduced to God and the individual, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend why a Catholic would ask for the prayers of saints.

]]> By: Jason S http://blog.ancient-future.net/2008/04/08/prayers-to-the-saints/#comment-3442 Jason S Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:39:32 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/?p=1232#comment-3442 <i>...those who draw near to God do not withdraw from men, but rather become truly close to them.</i> Wow. Powerful statement. Paints a nice picture of the transcendent-yet-eminent God of the Incarnation and that we can can participate in that by grace. And while this is a comforting thought in relation to the Saints, I think this "close to God/close to others" idea definitely has application for us in the here and now. Good stuff. All Saints, pray for us! …those who draw near to God do not withdraw from men, but rather become truly close to them.

Wow. Powerful statement. Paints a nice picture of the transcendent-yet-eminent God of the Incarnation and that we can can participate in that by grace.

And while this is a comforting thought in relation to the Saints, I think this “close to God/close to others” idea definitely has application for us in the here and now.

Good stuff.

All Saints, pray for us!

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