Today we observe the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. When it pertains to those in purgatory, for whom we now pray, it is important to remember that they have already been judged as worthy of Heaven. Purgatory is not a second chance; for it simply cleanses souls who are already been saved and are carrying the residue of sin.
When a person receives God’s forgiveness the eternal guilt of sin is wiped away; that soul is destined for Heaven. Sin also leaves behind a deeper wound known as temporal punishment. This is a disordered attachment to created things rather then God which leaves a spiritual debt of uncorrected harm.
Prayer, fasting, and works of mercy help to realign the soul towards God and to begin to heal those spiritual wounds. Through the concept of indulgences we are not receiving a get out of jail free card, but the remission of temporal punishment brought about from sins which have already been forgiven.
Let us not fail to pray for those souls in Purgatory that they may now be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven and let us persevere towards that same Heavenly homeland. 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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