Second story Purgatory Is Seen As Nothing Less Than Incredible Masterpiece Of God’s Mercy By Susan Tassone Part III in a series All who die in God’s grace and friendship are indeed assured of their salvation; but after death some undergo purification, so as to be free from all sin, and achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of Heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1030). This teaching is based on the practice of prayer for the dead mentioned in Sacred Scripture, “Therefore (Judas Maccabeus) made atonement for the dead, from their sin” (2 Maccabees 12:45). From the beginning Holy Mother Church has honored the memory of the dead by offering prayers in suffrage for them. Above all, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most efficacious means to help the souls in Purgatory. Why? The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest act of worship and the highest form of prayer. Prayer is the key to Heaven. Prayer is an indispensable means of attaining salvation for ourselves and our deceased loved ones. Fervent and submissive prayer penetrates the clouds and moves the heart of God to mercy. The prayer of St. Augustine (A.D. 430) for his mother, St. Monica, is another important testimony from the early Church about prayer for the dead. He wrote: “Forgive her too, O Lord, if she trespassed against you in the long years of her life after baptism. Forgive her I beseech, you; do not call her to account. Let your mercy give your judgment an honorable welcome, for your words, are true and you have promised mercy to the merciful” (Confessions, Book 9:13). Monica is quoted by her saintly son as telling him at the end of her life to lay her body to rest anywhere, but to remember her at the sacrifice of the altar. Recent studies show that prayer heals, and recoveries are 50 percent quicker for those who had surgery, even if the patient was unaware that he was being prayed for. An Arizona study journal reports that intercessory prayer produced measurable improvement in the medical outcomes of critically ill patients. Today, many are discovering how the Eucharist not only purifies the souls of those who have died but also heals the living as they come into deeper relationship with Jesus. The late Dr. Kenneth McCall of the United Kingdom logged over 1,000 cases of emotional or physical healing of clients when they offered a Mass for their deceased loved ones. The Mass heals the living and the dead! The holy souls in Purgatory need our prayers. The Mass is the great form of prayer to assist the souls attain heaven. Said St. John Chrysostom, “Christ is the victim that gives solace to the dead.” What a marvelous opportunity we have during this YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST to assist our living and deceased! Who are the holy souls? They are our families, relatives and friends. Whom do you miss the most? For whom do you wish you could have done more for in this life? Who has hurt you? Who has helped you the most spiritually or temporarily? Have a Mass offered for them! And remember to have a Mass offered for yourself. Christ told St. Faustina of Poland, “All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer.”
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:02:38 +0000
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