Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

Commemoration of All Souls

memorial
· 2 November
About the Feast

Today is a commemoration of the faithful departed in Purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a "purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven," which is experienced by those "who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified" (CCC 1030). It notes that "this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned" (CCC 1031).  So, it is differeant than yesterday's celebration...All Saint's Day commemorates all those souls in haven already...known and unknown.....see yesterday's Saint entry.  

The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. These folk are not yet in heaven so they are not saints.

The flatulent Martin Luther early on in his heretical journey believed in Purgatory, it is even mentioned in the “95 Theses.” When someone pointed out this was not consistent with his theology for how our sins are forgiven he quietly stopped talking about purgatory at all. Catholics believe God’s forgiveness allows us to transcend, or “rise above” our sins…Lutherans teach that God’s forgiveness merely takes away God’s punishment for our sins; we’re still sheep droppings on a hill.

Unlike the classic visions of purgatory so popularly spread around, most notably by Sister Mary Muriel, as being a place of torment and suffering, I always viewed Purgatory as a hospital, where our caring Father tries to mend us; to make us perfect and prepared to enter eternal happiness with him. In other words it is a place of healing rather than punishment. Our prayers become spiritual Get Well Cards, for those there. Leaf by Niggle by JRR Tolkien, is a short story, and is the clearest vision of Purgatory I have ever read. I recommend it.

A lesson someone once told me about my own behavior here on Earth was, “Live your life so as to aim to reach Heaven, if you only aim to reach Purgatory…you may miss…”

My Saint friends, I ask you to remember, in your prayers today, the souls of my departed loved ones and I promise I will do the same for you…. Thanks!