2 Samuel 1:11-12
David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
So, why does David and all those with him fast for Saul and Jonathan and the soldiers? It's the same argument as for 2 Maccabees, that if they're in Heaven, they don't need our prayers, and if they're in Hell, our prayers are fruitless. So, why pray for someone if they are eternally "set"? It seems inappropriate. It seems to give us further scriptural proof for purgatory.
As I was sitting in Mass yesterday, that just hit me. It was kinda nice to have, because using 2 Maccabees doesn't always work when discussing with our Protestant brothers and sisters.
-Harrison
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1 comment:
if i were to argue with you i'd simply point out that "prayer" is not mentioned in your translation and that the jewish mourning ritual doesn't necessarily suggest afterlife at all, just an expression of grief.
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