Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
- Readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; John 6:37-40
- Readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11 or 6:3-9; John 6:37-40
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“As gold in the furnace, he proved them…” (Wis. 3:6). Today
on All Souls Day we remember the souls in purgatory as they undergo
purification before entering heaven. Purgatory is defined by the Church as “the
state of those who die in God’s friendship, assured of their eternal salvation,
but who still have need of purification to enter into the happiness of heaven,”
(Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 210).
To enter into heaven, a place that contains no impurities
because it is perfection, one must be pure. Since God is all perfect, to be wrapped in His grace
in heaven requires perfection. Purgatory is the purification of one’s soul
before entering heaven. We are "gold" thanks to our baptism, through which we die
and rise with Christ (cf. Rom. 6:3-4), and due to our sinfulness, we must be
purified to cleanse us of our impurities. The Church does not have a firm
teaching in how long this purification process lasts. It is perfectly reasonable
to believe that the more stains a soul possesses the longer the purification
will take.
The Church sets aside the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, more commonly known as All Souls, to remember them and pray for them. In today’s first reading St. Paul teaches us about Christ’s death as the means of reconciling with us sinners (Rom. 5:6-11). We should not grow weary of death! We should embrace it with confidence if we are walking with Christ!
The Church Suffering (souls in purgatory) has the hope of salvation, because they are guaranteed to enter it. Praying for them during this process helps shower them with grace. Praying for the souls in purgatory also reminds us of our spiritual lives. Are we living for Christ? Are we seeking purification while on earth? It is also perfectly reasonable to expect a shorter time in purgatory if we prevent our souls from acquiring many stains.
With the souls in purgatory in our prayers, let us march forward as servants of God called to be missionary disciples. Let us carry this hope of salvation wherever we go and be a witness to it! God’s will is for us to have eternal life (John 6:40)! Let us respond to God’s Will with a resounding “yes!”. Amen.
God is good!
Deus Invictus! Credo Domine!
The Church sets aside the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, more commonly known as All Souls, to remember them and pray for them. In today’s first reading St. Paul teaches us about Christ’s death as the means of reconciling with us sinners (Rom. 5:6-11). We should not grow weary of death! We should embrace it with confidence if we are walking with Christ!
The Church Suffering (souls in purgatory) has the hope of salvation, because they are guaranteed to enter it. Praying for them during this process helps shower them with grace. Praying for the souls in purgatory also reminds us of our spiritual lives. Are we living for Christ? Are we seeking purification while on earth? It is also perfectly reasonable to expect a shorter time in purgatory if we prevent our souls from acquiring many stains.
With the souls in purgatory in our prayers, let us march forward as servants of God called to be missionary disciples. Let us carry this hope of salvation wherever we go and be a witness to it! God’s will is for us to have eternal life (John 6:40)! Let us respond to God’s Will with a resounding “yes!”. Amen.
God is good!
Deus Invictus! Credo Domine!
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