Today we celebrate the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed also known to us as All Souls Day.
One liturgy of the Church which is very important is the Funeral Mass. As time has passed by there are many who sadly forgo having any type of funeral liturgy offered be it during Mass or outside of Mass. This day serves as a type of funeral where we are reminded of the need to pray for the souls of the faithful departed who have now gone before us into eternal life. At the heart of the funeral liturgy is this understanding of the need to pray for the souls who have gone before us. Sadly, some have instead interrupted these rites to guarantee entry into Heaven no matter how sinful one chose to live their life.
When we speak of the souls in Purgatory we are not referring to a second chance at Heaven. There is only one opportunity that we get and thus we should do something with the time that has been allotted to us. Purgatory is for purification which must take place for according to the Book of Revelation nothing which is unclean will enter Heaven. Through our prayers we assist these holy souls in their preparation for Heaven and we mold ourselves into being true disciples of the Lord who live their life for Christ.
Let us continue to assist these souls by our prayers in order that all the angels and saints may escort them into Paradise 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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