Author Topic: Question about Spiritual Exercises (Read 1058 times)

Marlelar · « **on:** August 17, 2014, 07:28:11 PM »

I was listening to the second talked given by Father Pfeiffer

Beginning at 18:30 and going to 20:35 he is talking about saving ones soul and from 19:22 to 20:05 it sounds like he is saying that our prayers for the dead can actually be applied to them at their death bed (in the past) and perhaps help them to save their souls, because their is no "time" for God, all is in the present to Him.

Is this true? Am I misunderstanding Father's words? Mishearing? I would appreciate it if someone could clarify this for me.

Marsha

True Faith · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2014, 08:39:44 AM »

I didn't listen to that sermon yet but it reminds me of what our priest said once. He said that we can pray for the conversion of St. Augustine, for example, and it would be applied to him the same as if we prayed it while he was alive. Interesting hey?

JPaul · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2014, 09:16:43 AM »

These ideas certainly directly contradict the teaching that the book of one's salvation is closed when one dies and the die is eternally cast.

God is, of course outside of time, but it is given to men to be born, exist, and come to a conclusion in a fixed time. And we are told that we must merit salvation from our acts while we are here, because there are no second chances.

Given that, these propositions sound very odd.

JPaul · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2014, 09:33:41 AM »

Quote from: J.Paul

These ideas certainly directly contradict the teaching that the book of one's salvation is closed when one dies and the die is eternally cast.

God is, of course outside of time, but it is given to men to be born, exist, and come to a conclusion in a fixed time. And we are told that we must merit salvation from our acts while we are here, because there are no second chances.

Given that, these propositions sound very odd.

On second thought, I think it is just a bit unclear in what he is saying. All time is now for God. He does not go back or forward.
The back in time is only our human perception, Not God's Being omniscient, he would know of all prayers for conversion, and would have applied them at that person's death, if He willed to do so. I think that is what he is saying.

cantatedomino · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2014, 06:00:07 PM »

I often pray to the living Saint Rita, sitting in her cell with that horrible thorn in her forehead, stinking up the place - specifically asking her to pray for me.

I do address the heavenly Saint Rita, but more often the living mortal still on her earthly pilgrimage.

I believe that God gave St. Rita a mission to save souls - including souls who would live centuries after her.

I believe the same about the patient sufferings of Mother Marianna de Jesus Torres and her sisters in religion - sufferings that were expiating the sins of an age to come. I believe their penances and prayers obtained for me my own conversion from a life of sin. I believe I am one of their spiritual offspring.

JPaul · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2014, 08:33:53 PM »

CantateDomino,

Quote

I believe their penances and prayers obtained for me my own conversion from a life of sin. I believe I am one of their spiritual offspring.

Oh, yes, a life of sin, a now remembered life of pain, as it is pondered daily.
Perhaps it is true that someone more worthy has prayed for me as well. It must be so.