Today we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed also known to us as All Souls Day.
When it pertains to the souls in Purgatory, as well as indulgences, there is a lot of misconceptions. Neither of these counteract our time on this earth and what we do with the time that has been entrusted to us. Purgatory is not a second chance at Heaven nor are indulgences a way to earn one’s way into Heaven. When a person dies they are judged either to Heaven or Hell. Indulgences only befit those who have been judged as worthy of Heaven and Purgatory is only for those who have been judged as worthy of Heaven.
We must remember that Christ already paid for our debt with His Blood upon the cross. The gates to Paradise were opened by His suffering and death. The souls who died in God’s grace have been found worthy of Heaven. Those in Purgatory, for whom we now pray, must first sufficiently atone for the temporal consequences due to sin that remain after death.
Sacred Scripture tells us of gold that has been tested in fire. It is this gold which comes to be purified by taking imperfections out of it. The only way to get an imperfection out of gold is by passing it through fire. Likewise, Purgatory exists in order to remove these imperfections for the soul in order that the soul may be prepared for Heaven. As the Book of Revelation attests, “Nothing that is impure will enter it.”
Let us entrust ourself to praying for these souls in Purgatory. Throughout this month of November we have the opportunity to receive indulgences on their behalf. For example all that one needs to do is go to a cemetery a pray for the souls of the deceased as well as receiving Holy Communion, making a confession, and remembering to pray for the intention of the Holy Father.
May all the angels and saints escort these souls to Heaven this day.
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen.
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