Let Us Pray For Souls Living Away from Christ
WHY PRAY
For Souls Living Away from Christ
In Catholic theology, a soul living away from Christ experiences separation from God—both in this life and hereafter. The core view is drawn from Scripture. The Bible describes humanity as spiritually “dead” or alienated from God by default due to sin (rebellion or independence from God’s will). Christ is presented as the only bridge back to God.
In John 14:6 –“Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ”
Ephesians 2:1-3 – People are “dead in [their] transgressions and sins,” living “in the passions of [the] flesh” and under God’s wrath apart from Christ.
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 3:36 – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on them.”
Hebrews 9:27-28 – “And just as human beings are destined to die but once, and after that to face judgment…”
According to Catholic doctrine, the soul that is “living away from Christ” faces eternal separation from God after death—described as hell (or the “second death,” Revelation 20:14-15). The chief punishment of hell is “eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs” (CCC §1035).
The Church affirms hell’s existence and eternity but stresses it is not God’s desire or predestination: “God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end.” (CCC §1037) Jesus Himself warns of this possibility (Gehenna, unquenchable fire) for those who refuse to believe and be converted to the end (CCC §1034).
This separation begins now, in earthly life: a sense of emptiness, restlessness, moral confusion, or bondage to sin, even if the person appears outwardly successful or happy (see Ecclesiastes or the Prodigal Son parable in Luke 15:11-31). God can lead such persons to the faith “in ways known to himself” (CCC §848).
“Apart from the Cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.”
—St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)
Let us contemplate on the lives of the persons God has placed in our midst: in our family, as our friends and coworkers, and even people we just know casually who are living away from Christ.
We have an obligation to pray for them. Praying daily for those around us is an act of mercy that can be done easily.
We need to think about those in our life who urgently need prayer right now. Let us take a moment and offer them to God in prayer. When we do this, God will pour His grace on them. He will also bless and reward our own soul for this act of generosity. If nothing seems to be happening, don’t get disappointed, trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6)
THIS SECTION HAS LINKS TO CONTEMPLATION AND PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO—FOR VARIOUS REASONS AND CIRCULSTANCES—ARE LIVING AWAY FROM CHRIST, AND TO PLEAD TO OUR MERCIFUL FATHER FOR THEIR SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST IN FULL COMMUNION WITH HIS CHURCH.