On Living the Vocation to Holiness - November 6, 2022

     This month of November is traditionally dedicated to prayer for the poor souls in Purgatory.  I am amazed to still hear from life-long Catholics that they don’t believe in Purgatory.  I’ve never gotten a good answer from anyone who has stated this position about why they reject the Church’s teaching.  What’s more, it is sad that we should think so little of God and of ourselves to not rejoice at the GIFT Purgatory is to us.  Now, how in heaven’s name can Purgatory be a “gift”???  Well, let’s talk about that.

     The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraphs 1030-1032, gives us the fundamentals.  It also, in the footnotes, helps us to see the biblical foundations from the books of Job, Maccabees, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter, and the Gospel according to St. Matthew; as well as writings from the saints and councils of the Church.  In reviewing this we see that this doctrine is well-grounded and a part of the Church’s very long understanding of the “Last Things” (death, judgement, heaven, & hell).

     In reading and then bringing these texts to prayer we come to see how God’s perfect plan for our eternal life is not just an eternal extension of what we have experienced in this life.  In heaven it doesn’t “take all kinds”, which we too often say as we are excusing poor behavior.  In heaven there is only one kind – those who have been perfected in love, that is, their ability to respond to love with a love that is completely self-giving.  Does that sound too good to be true?  Well, that’s the way God rolls.

     So, let us embrace this doctrinal gift through our attention to prayer for those who have gone before us, especially in those moments when we have an inkling that we should pray for one person or another.

     There are a good number of resources available for growing in our understanding and appreciation of Purgatory as well as resources for prayer.  There are some excellent videos on the FORMED platform from the Augustine Institute.  I also have an outstanding video that I would be willing to lend out.  Finally, there are still a decent number of “Purgatory Novenas” available in the entrances of each of our churches.

     I hope you will make use of these resources and grow in your confidence in God’s love for all as you embrace his plan for our salvation – of which Purgatory is sometimes a necessary and grace filled part.