You do realize that the parable of Lazarus and Abraham as told by Jesus reveals a couple things that non-Catholics might find uncomfortable to accept.
First, the angels take Lazarus’ body to Abraham’s bosom and not to God. Why? Abraham is the “father” of the Jewish faithful. Note that Abraham is awake and able to hear and see the rich man.
Second, Abraham’s response to the rich man is that there is a chasm separating the two places, and even if one were to desire to cross from one place to the other, one couldn’t. In order to have such a desire, one would have to have an awareness of one’s situation.
Third, the rich man does not cry out to Lazarus, rather his prayer is directed to Abraham. He asks Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers so that they will not end up in the same place. Abraham does not refuse for the reason that he cannot do such, rather, Abraham refuses because he says the brothers will not believe since they have not believed after having heard Moses and the prophets.
There are many lessons in this parable, which is typical of all parables. Hardness of heart is but one of them.
Sidenote: I have attended many protestant funerals and at each and every one the preacher/minister says quite unequivocally that the deceased is in heaven, Praise be to God.
So which is it? Does the soul of the deceased reside in heaven with Jesus or does the soul merely exist in limbo awaiting the final day whereupon it will learn its eternal fate?
Does Abraham have others beside Lazarus in his bosom?
How much room does he have there?
The whole spiritual matter is pretty deep. But, if you prefer them to be literal figures, then notice that the communication is between two persons (Lazarus says nothing)that are not living the earthly life anymore. There’s no communication there of one on earth speaking to one in heaven or hell.
**Sidenote: I have attended many protestant funerals and at each and every one the preacher/minister says quite unequivocally that the deceased is in heaven, Praise be to God.**
Well, I don’t go there. I’ve been to more than a few funerals where I knew the deceased was about as uninterested in living for God as they come, yet the minister ‘preached them into heaven’.
**So which is it? Does the soul of the deceased reside in heaven with Jesus or does the soul merely exist in limbo awaiting the final day whereupon it will learn its eternal fate?**
All I know is that, in the scriptures, there’s a whole lotta sleepin go’in on in regards to those that have died.
I’ll leave the judging of souls to God (as if I had a say anyway. :D )