FIRE OF GOD'S MERCY - 11/02/22 (The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed)

John 6:40

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110222.cfm

Blessed All Souls' Day! Yesterday, we celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints where we remembered all of the saints in heaven who were glorifying God for eternity. They are holy because nothing impure can enter the Kingdom of God. We also know that there are some souls who enter heaven directly from their death because of being already purified here on earth while there are others who undergo the final purification, or purgatory, before seeing God in His Kingdom. Today, we remember all our faithful departed loved ones, especially those who are in purgatory. Purgatory exists because of God's love. It is God's will, as explained to us by Jesus Christ, that we may believe in Him. This is not just a mental belief but an act of faith that follows the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. It is a genuine faith that bears fruit by loving God and our neighbors. It is true that many of the people may die who are united to God, but they may not yet be fully united. This is because many of us have numerous imperfections and sins, no matter how small they are, while we also persevere in the life of holiness. Not even a small imperfection can enter heaven, and because of God's infinite goodness, through purgatory, He purifies the souls from their imperfections with the fire of His mercy. Below this reflection, there is also an article that gives an explanation of purgatory and its basis on Scriptures. 

All Souls' Day is not just a day that we become united with the dead because of going to their graves. Rather, we believe in the reality of the everlasting happiness in heaven and resurrection of the dead. Our confidence is found in Christ who tells us that those who believe in Him will have eternal life, and they will be raised up from the dead. Our mortal bodies are shadows of the glorified bodies, similar to the resurrected body of our Lord Jesus, that we hope to have in the last days. How can we help our loved ones and all the souls in purgatory? Let's continuously pray for their souls. Praying the rosary also helps them because the Blessed Virgin Mary also brings consolation to the souls in purgatory. And, may we remember to offer Mass for their eternal repose. Death do not have the final say because Christ's resurrection is the sign of His victory over death. Let's pray for the souls in purgatory and find hope in their encounter with Christ who purifies them, through the fire of His mercy, of their imperfections and who prepares them for the happiness of seeing God in heaven. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Article on Purgatory:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/purgatory

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/