As human beings we could become stranded when we go about our daily activities; in a more unique way, the human soul could be stuck on the way to eternal life, due to various reasons like struggles against sin. 

The month of November in the Church’s calendar affords us the opportunity to pray for the stranded souls in purgatory. That’s why we remember in a special way ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED on the second day of the month of November. We remember all our loved ones who have died because due to our limitations we do not know if they are stranded or not. 

The Catholic Church believes that there is a communion between the Pilgrim Church (believers on earth) and the Suffering Church (the souls in purgatory). What is Purgatory? Purgatory is a state of purification of every soul that dies imperfectly purified. This purification consists of the punishment due to sins, as well as the cleansing of the damage sin has done to the soul that prevents it from attaining Heaven. Thus, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “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, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.” From time past, Christians have prayed for souls in purgatory. We do so because in the mystery of God's plan and of His goodness, our prayers are able to aid and benefit them.

Basically, there are only three things that are essential components of the doctrine of purgatory:

1. That purification after death exists.

2. That it involves some kind of pain.

That the purification can be assisted by prayers and offerings of the living to God.

 

Some Biblical Passages on Purgatory:

i. 2 Maccabees 12.44-45: ‘For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore, he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.’

This act of the Jews presupposes the existence of purgatory, based on the fact that the souls of heaven do not need our prayers, while the souls in hell are eternally condemned.

 

ii. Isaiah 4.4: ‘When the Lord shall have washed away the fifth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgement and by a spirit of burning.’

St. Augustine, in his book City of God, Chapter 25, interprets this as connoting purgatory.

 

iii. Micah 3.3: ‘He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the Lord.

Some prominent Church Theologians like: St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome and Origen all thought this was the description of purgatory.

 

iv. Matthew 5.25-26: ‘Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Truly I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last penny.

According to prominent Church Theologians like: Tertulian, Origen, St. Cyprian, St. Ambrose, and St. Jerome opine that the “prison” alluded to in verse 25 is purgatory.

 

v. 1 Corinthians 3.11-15: ‘For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.’

This is a clear allusion to purgatory, attested to by numerous Church Theologians like: Origen, Pope St. Gregory the Great, St. Ambrose, and St. Jerome. 

 

In all of the above, we are obliged as Christians, to pray for ourselves, pray for our loved ones, and specially remember and pray for our deceased brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers – our prayer in a way reflects how much we love them. 

Eternal rest grant to all the faithful departed, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.