Communion Quote by Joseph Pohle
““the dogma of the Communion of Saints. All the members of Christ's mystic body are organi cally connected with one another and enjoy spirit ual benefits in common. 52 A natural consequence of this communion is the ap plicability to others of fhe satisfactory merits which the saints in Heaven and the righteous still living on earth have gained by their penitential works, but do not need for themselves. There must be a wealth of such accumu lated merits. Think of the overflowing satisfactions of our Blessed Lady, who is justly called the Mother of Sorrows, of St. John the Baptist, and many others who practiced austere penance. 53 Though all these satisfac tions are as nothing compared with the infinite merits of Christ, they nevertheless constitute a fund having its existence in the knowledge and free acceptation of God. This fund must have a purpose, though it is of a purely finite nature and, apart from the merits of Christ, might conceivably in course of time be exhausted. 54””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Theologia Mystica, 17th century (attributed)
The quote explains that saints and the righteous share spiritual benefits through a communal connection, creating a reservoir of merits that can aid others, though Christ's merits remain supreme.
In simple terms: Saints share spiritual benefits, forming a communal merit pool, but Christ's merits are infinite.
Key Takeaway
Recognize communal spiritual support while honoring Christ's unique role.
Themes
spirituality
community
merit
interconnectedness
theology
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- prayer groups
- pastoral counseling
- personal reflection on merit sharing
Key Concepts
Communion of Saints
merit accumulation
penitential works
Questions to Reflect On
- How does communal merit affect personal responsibility?
- Can spiritual benefits be quantified?
A Different Perspective
The concept may be debated in modern theology regarding merit transfer.
![“St. Bruno of Asti, who says: " The first tabernacle, therefore, is the Synagogue; the second, the Church; the third, Heaven. . . . The first was in a shadow and an image, the second is in an image and in truth, and the third [will be] in the truth alone. In the first, life is foreshadowed; in the…” quote by Joseph Pohle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7d8/joseph-pohle-3769_life_st-bruno-of-asti-who-says-the-first-tabe_36723.jpg)
