In the Apostle’s Creed we, as Christians, profess “I believe … in the communion of saints”. By communion of saints we are meaning “communion in holy things (sancta)” and “among holy persons (sancti)” (Cathecism of the Catholic Church, p.948). Today, I would like to dwell on the second meaning of the term; i.e the communion of the holy people.

The book of Revelation speaks eloquently of the union of love which will occur at the end of time before the throne of the Lamb. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Rev 7, 9). It is in such beatific vision where Christ’s body, the Church, will experience her fullness, simply because “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory” (Eph 1, 17) will fill “all in all” (Eph 1, 23).

But this plenitude called “heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12, 22) which the author of the book of Revelation beautifully portrays can be lived already from this world. Yes, it is possible to be experienced in the here and now on the words of Jesus himself: “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt 18, 20). Besides the ecclesial-liturgical connotation this text might hint at, there is also a profound spiritual reality which brings it into being. When two or more are following Christ with an undivided heart, ontologically they are united in Christ. Even without knowing one another, they are already forming the communion of saints, the communion of those “who follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev 14, 4).

As the biblical scholars have pointed out, the name “saints” in the Bible is used to denote all those who have been baptised. Unfortunately not all Christians live up to their calling. Hence, even in the Church, there is wheat and there is chaff. There are those who are trying to bear witness to the Gospel and those who let the power of darkness devour the countless graces God bestows on them day after day.

Amid the great challenge of agnosticism, materialism and relativism, the constant need for renewal is deeply felt in the People of God. It is important that those who are struggling to live the Gospel unite together to offer mutual support to one another. The more they pray, encourage and listen to one another in, with and through Christ, the more they can successfully counter the “great tribulation(s)” (Rev 7, 14) of religious indifference, hedonism and consumerism of our times. The sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist restore strengthen and promote this communion of saints for other people to follow. Sometimes an encouraging SMS, a caring word, a prayer or just listening to one’s experience can be decisive in one’s journey to Christ.

The secret of it all is that such support needs to be constant.

Building communities of people who want to love Christ at all costs is the target of every pastoral program and initiative in the Church. May we priests, united with our Bishops, try to do our best to offer to our people opportunities through which they can feel held, encouraged and inspired by one another. Only as a communion can we really witness Christ and live the Gospel to its fullness. Let us “encourage one another and build one another up!” (1 Thes 5, 11).

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann