Gustave Courbet, Burial at Ornans, 1849-50
First off, I am sorry for not having kept up with this blog for a month or so. I was wondering what I would post about. I, of all people, shouldn't have this problem!
I did want to reflect a bit about the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) and this month of November, which we set aside in remembrance of our dead.
In this day and age, we rarely hear purgatory preached from the pulpit or that our primary vocation is sainthood, but these are necessary to our belief as Catholic Christians. One day you and I will die, yet we hope that our death is just a transition from this earthly existence to a life united with our Heavenly Father in the New Jerusalem. This next existence will last for eternity! There are struggles, however, that prevent us from facing the throne of God, including sin and attachment to sin.
Since we are unaware of when our Lord will call us home to Him, we need to constantly seek His grace through frequent recourse to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. The first causes us to pause and reflect in our personal failings and pride and reunites to the Father. The latter is what sustains us to lead a holy life and reminds us of our goal, communion with the Blessed Trinity. By participating regularly in these exercises, we can only be brought closer to God, and be well prepared for our own earthly demise.
We oft forget that sin separates us from the Father. Sin causes us to be and do less than what the Father expects of us. Sin shows the Father that at times we place ourselves, other people and things above Him. In the Old Testament, we read that our God is a jealous God, and He most certainly is! He wants our undivided attention, devotion and love. Through that love we are able to love others and ourselves better, prioritize our life, reduce anxiety by finding peace and becoming the best version of ourselves that we can be through the help of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In other words, we become the perfect person that the Trinity has destined us to be.
That being said, there are some people I have known throughout my life who have been outstanding examples of Christian living, have suffered much and been the better for it. These people are saints in my book. I believe some of them are already in the bosom of Abraham and drinking from the fountain of eternal life. I believe that these were perfect people who died and went to heaven. There are several infants in my family who have died and I know that they are interceding for me and my family and that they are saints who are very close to Jesus and his Mother.
Most of the people that I have know and have died are probably in Purgatory. They are being purified of their attachment to sin and paying retribution for the scandal, sin and destruction that they caused in their earthly life. These people were not bad people, they were Christians who struggled in their relationship with the Lord and loved Him greatly. They prayed often, were known for their good deeds and professed a hope in the Resurrection. Yet, God is being just and merciful to them by helping them to be purged of their imperfections so that they too can join in the Heavenly Banquet. (God willing, I pray to be half as good as these people, so that I can join the Father in Heaven!)
Then there are those who have died, never loving our Lord, despite their knowledge of him. We pray that our Lord has mercy on them. But, there are people that send themselves to Hell because they have only loved themselves, had no hope and held no faith. In the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, there is a frightening mosaic of Hell as a cold, dark cave. After all, how can Hell have any warmth without the love of God! While this is a sad thought, this is their own fault and pity should not be had for them. Sin, Satan and Hell are real, to think otherwise is foolish and naive! If this thought scares you, then great! Perhaps, you will get yourself to confession and return to our Father! (A great read is C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, as it will enlighten you on those suffering damnation.)
So, what can we do to ensure that we do not suffer eternal damnation? Well, go to confession and Communion regularly. Pray often. Love greatly.
Part of this loving greatly is to pray for those that have passed on. We must always pray for our dead. They are in great need of our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. They are suffering for good cause -- to be with the Father. Their suffering is a sharing in the Cross of Christ. When they become saints, they will pray for us. Do not be fooled by the thought everyone goes to heaven and become angels. Angels are angels and humans are humans. There is a purgatory. We need to pray for these Poor Souls. Some of them may be our family and friends. Go to a cemetery, have Masses prayed for your deceased, find the prayer of St. Gertrude and frequently say it. Live a good and holy life. When you suffer or are in great pain, offer it up for the Holy Souls. Help bring others to do the same. If we truly loved our Lord and our departed, then we should do everything within our power to help them be united. It is what they want and our Lord greatly desires it, too! It is why He made us, saved us and continues to pour out his grace upon us!
Personally, this month reminds me of my grandparents, all of whom have passed on, as well as my deceased aunt and uncle. Just last year, on the 6th of November my nephew and godson, Jacob, was killed in a car accident. On Saturday, I will go to Calvary to pray at his grave on the anniversary of his burial. He has often been on my mind and reminds me that my job as a godfather and Christian is not by any means done. I must pray for him to join the Father in Heaven. I ask that if you have a moment to say a prayer for him as well.
By the way, the Church loves the idea so much that She gives us a plenary indulgence this month for praying for the dead. The usual conditions apply: Confession, Holy Communion and freedom from the attachment to sin.
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