Posted on November 2, 2024 View all news
The month of November is dedicated to all the holy souls in Purgatory. Purgatory is an oft-misunderstood doctrine of the Church. As we know, to enjoy the bliss of Heaven, one must be in a state of grace and perfect. For those not in the state of grace, those who have severed friendship with God, they can never enter Heaven and have been condemned to hell. However, we are often far from perfection because of our minor flaws. We also frequently overlook the consequences of our sins.
Even after we have gone to Confession and said the penance we have received, our sins’ effects remain. What the Church means by this can be seen in real life. If we have broken something that someone lent us, the owner may forgive us, but the item is still broken and requires fixing. When someone kills someone, we may be forgiven, but that forgiveness can never bring the person back. It is the same for our sins.
When we sin, we let down others in the Church, and we all suffer. Even the most private of sins affect the whole Church. Thus, we must make up for this through our penances, good works, almsgiving, and the gaining of indulgences. If we don’t make up for these effects of our sins here on earth, we must make up for them in the life to come. It is from this that we get the doctrine of Purgatory. Purgatory is not a place of punishment, but a place of purification. Those in Purgatory are guaranteed Heaven, but only after being purified of these consequences of sin.
Most people probably have effects of sin that they must atone for. So, I encourage each of you in a life of penance. Take advantage of every opportunity to gain an indulgence. We should also never rob someone of prayers after they depart from this life by assuming they are in Heaven. So be sure to pray for the dead often, and have Masses offered for them. It is the most charitable thing we can do for our beloved who have gone before us. Be sure to also pray for those Holy Souls who have no one else to pray for them.
During November, a few things we can do for the faithful departed is to visit cemeteries. A plenary indulgence is granted to all those who visit a cemetery from November 1 until November 8 and pray for those who have gone before us. This indulgence can only be applied to the faithful departed; we can’t claim it for ourselves. You can do this once every day between November 1 and November 8. So do not pass up this opportunity.
The other thing we can do is ensure that we live a good and holy life. That can often seem out of reach, but holiness is possible for every person. God would not ask or expect the impossible of us. The best way to die is to prepare for it. There is no escaping it. Also, remember to call for a priest when the final moments are near. This doesn’t mean waiting until the last final minute; the priest may not be able to get there on time. So call as soon as it seems clear that someone is gravely ill. The Church gives to us the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as well as the Apostolic Pardon. It is also ideal, if possible, for Holy Communion to be given as Viaticum as spiritual food for the final journey. In today’s world, this is unfortunately often not possible.
May we take these thoughts to heart so that we and our loved ones are well provided for in these final moments. Each helps us to ensure that we are not only in a State of Grace but also becoming more and more perfect as our Heavenly Father. Have a blessed month ahead!
