Today we remember all of our faithfully departed. It is a time to pray for the souls being purified in Purgatory.  Yes the Catholic Church still teaches that souls who die as friends of Christ but not quite holy enough for heaven go through a state of purgation.

Unfortunately, too many Christians, Catholics included, have lost the concept of sin. They seem to think that Jesus did all the work of salvation so the faithful will just go straight to heaven even if they fall far short of the glory of God.

But many of us die as unfinished Christians. We are not quite ready for prime time heaven. I know that I have a lot of  transforming to do. I am a poor Christian indeed. But God’s mercy is great. Purgatory is a great mercy. Deacon Larry, though, keeps telling me to stop shooting for Purgatory. I might miss.

Marcellino D’Ambrosio has a nice article on All Souls.

Excerpt:

“These days remind us that love is stronger than death, that Christ’s death for us means that our beloved deceased who believed in Christ are very much alive.  They may be among those whose lungs breathe the exhilarating air of heaven and whose eyes gaze upon the glory of God.   In this case, they help us through their prayers.

Yet they may also be among those whose lungs were not ready for breathing and whose eyes were not ready for the brilliance of the beatific vision, whose body carried an infection that needed to be eliminated.  In which case, we must help them through our prayers.  Our loving intercession can hasten the purification and preparation necessary for the full enjoyment of their inheritance.”

Read the whole article here. In the Office of Reading for today, St. Ambrose tells us that death is gain. Read all about it here.