Saints & The Holy Souls - Friends of God

The Saints always point out the way to God. They give glory to God, not to themselves. Many reminders of how the saints loved God while they were still on earth are depicted in statues and icons found in churches and chapels. These depictions are holy reminders for us to follow their examples. These reminders serve as just that- remiders. Just as we carry pictures of our loved ones in our wallets or hang pictures of them in our homes, so it is with statues and icons. We do not worship these articles or bow down to them, but look at them and think of our loved one and what they mean to us. (Hence the accusations about Catholics as being idolators and statue worshippers by those who have limited understanding, or a convienient understanding of scriptures.)

The saints show us examples of how to live a good Christian life by how they lived their lives. Many very good and ordinary people who lived ordinary lives - like us, however, they loved God and served their neighbor. As Jesus taught- love one another as I have loved you. "As I have loved you",  now that says alot doesn't it? Can we meet that challenge? Can we love each other as Jesus loves us?

Something so easy can be one of the most difficult things to do especially in today's world with all this hatred going about. Just read the newspapers - watch it on TV. You can see it as clear as the day. Not much has changed in that regard in over 2000 years. Yet we have examples of ordinary people- honored by the Church, for their witness to doing exactly what Jesus has taught- "Love each other as I have loved you" Many of these saints were once great sinners- God uses them to show us that even great sinners can become one of his greater saints- Look at St Augustine. One of the most popular, respected saints in the Church, changed his life, because of the prayers of his sainted mother- St Monica, who prayed and pleaded with God to help her son change his ways. It worked!

Many members of our families and our friends, who we know were good people, lived good lives, were good to others and loved God, who has died, are saints. Although not officially 'canonized' they are saints nevertheless.

We are all called to remember the faithful departed as well. We do this on November 2nd each year. We should do this every day. These people now 'Holy Souls'  are destined for heaven. They are very much loved by God who wills them to be with Him as He wills us to be with Him someday. They are being purified as fine gold is purifed, they are becoming perfected, because nothing that is imperfect goes before God.

These Holy Souls are our powerful friends who are most grateful for whatever charity / prayers and Masses we offer for their benefit. Whatever spiritual work of mercy we perform helps them shorten their time in Purgatory. Nothing we do for them will go unanswered for us in our need - our particular judgment. Once in heaven they will remember us and plead our cause to the Father.

"It is a good and charitable act to pray for the dead"                               II Maccabees 12 : 43-46