You Can Help!

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If you were to look up the practices of All Souls Day, a commemoration we hold today to honor all of the faithful departed, it would be enough to make your head spin. That's because this time-honored tradition of praying for the dead has gone on for centuries.

To simplify it, though, let's just remember that it has been long understood that before we experience the Beatific Vision (being with God face to face after we die), the residual stains of our sins committed during our lifetime need to be purified (at least for most of us!)

Once we die, we are dependent on those who are still living to ask God to purify our souls so that we may reach heaven. The question is always, "How much time will this take?" That we do not know, of course. Could be an instant, could be a long time.

Remembering that God does not work on our time, and that some things must be left to the mystery of faith, we dutifully do this work of mercy, even though we may lack the knowledge of how it happens or when.

That is one of the beautiful things about the Catholic Mass. It is the ultimate place where we offer our prayers. It isn't uncommon for those of us, however, to offer the Mass we are attending for those who are still living that are in need of help as well.

So today--especially--we offer our prayers for the souls of the faithful who have departed this world, but we always have the opportunity to pray for the living as well.

I highly encourage you to explore the power of the Mass and the good gift of your prayers for others, knowing that God always hears and answers our prayers, according to his will.

Have a blessed day.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com

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