37. THE QUESTION WAS: What did St. Jerome teach about apostles and martyrs?
a. If they can pray for us while on Earth, they can pray for us much more in heaven
b. They will not be concerned about us when they reach heaven
THE ANSWER IS: A
St. Jerome wrote: If the Apostles and Martyrs,
while still in the body, can pray for others, at a time when they must still be
anxious for themselves, how much more after their crowns, victories, and triumphs
are won! One man, Moses, obtains from God pardon for six hundred thousand men
in arms; and Stephen, the imitator of the Lord, and the first martyr in Christ,
begs forgiveness for his persecutors; and shall their power be less after
having begun to be with Christ? The Apostle Paul declares that two hundred
three score and sixteen souls, sailing with him, were freely given him; and,
after he is dissolved and has begun to be with Christ, shall he close his lips,
and not be able to utter a word in behalf of those who throughout the whole
world believed at his preaching of the Gospel? And shall the living dog
Vigilantius be better than that dead lion? ("Contra Vigilant.", n.
6, in P. L., XXIII, 344).
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08070a.htm
(Intercession of the Saints)
http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap070000.htm
(The Communion of Saints)
http://www.canapologetics.net/html/praying_to_mary.html
(Why do Catholics Pray to Mary?)
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