During this month of November, we make special mention of our dead. The whole month is dedicated to praying for and remembering ‘those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith’ (Eucharistic Prayer see also Heb. 11:13). Indeed, we read in the second book of Maccabees that it is a ‘holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be released from their sins.’ (2 Mac. 12:46)

We draw great comfort in thinking of our loved ones in Heaven, in the presence of GOD for all eternity. But if our loved ones are in Heaven then they have no need of our prayers, they have no need of the Masses that we have offered for them. Their journey is complete, as we read in the book of Revelation; “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them'”. (Rev. 14: 13). So there seems to a bit of a contradiction here, if they are in heaven why do we pray for them? For those in Heaven have no need of our prayers, it is they who pray for us. If they are not in Heaven, where are they? Based on Scripture and Tradition the Church teaches: ‘All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect…’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church nos. 1030-1031)

Sin is like dirtying our soul, it leaves us impure in the sight of GOD, and again we read in the book of Revelation ‘nothing impure can enter Heaven.’ (Rev. 21: 27). This place, or rather this state of being, called purgatory, is like a spiritual laundry. Although, in His incredible Mercy, GOD has forgiven our sins, and our entry to Heaven is assured, we remain ‘unclean’ so to speak, and have to be made perfect before we can come into the presence of GOD. The sin is forgiven but the effects remain, and this is what requires purification. The prayers that we offer for those who have died are to expedite this process of purification. The Catechism says this: ‘From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead…’ (CCC # 1032)

So let us continue to pray for all who have died, that their purification may be short and their entry into Heaven swift. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na h’amanacha.