The Communion of Saints

At this point the two creeds we use on Sundays diverge a little.  The Nicene Creed goes on to talk about baptism and the Apostles’ Creed speaks of ‘the communion of saints.’

We use the word ‘communion’ a lot especially when speaking about the Mass.  At communion time in the Mass, we enter into union with Jesus our Lord and with each other, which is what we mean by communion.  We are all drawn into union with the same Lord and this joins us in communion with each other.

This communion does not end with death.  All who have been in communion with the Lord, over so many centuries and in so many places, remain in communion with him and with each other.  

This unites us to all who have gone before us, both those who have been close to us in this life and to those who have not.  We are particularly conscious of the great ones who have gone before us, who have been outstanding in their communion with the Lord; these are the ones whom we usually call the saints.  We have our own particular favourites among the saints, usually because of something which attracts us to them or something we have in common with them.

One of the images of the future that God prepares for us is that of the banquet in his kingdom, where all humankind is invited to take their place.  This is, of course, just an image but it is resonant with the experience of the Eucharist, where we are gathered together in this life in anticipation of the ‘banquet’ which is to come.

Regarding those whom we have been close to, there is a lovely text in the Vigil Prayers for the Funeral Rite which states the following: “My brothers and sisters, we believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death”.  This is a very personal and consoling expression of the communion of saints.

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin

Published: 26 April 2024