Why pray for the dead? Can we really help them with our prayers? Is there any warrant for this in the Word of God? Isn’t the final decision about eternal life made at the judgment each person will undergo at the time of death?
Saint Gertrude (1256-1302) is an ideal saint for November, the month of remembering the deceased and to help answer these questions. She entered the monastery at age five. She became a brilliant theologian and spiritual writer after abandoning her worldly studies for the Scriptures. Her life turned around dramatically after she encountered our Lord, Jesus Christ, when she was 26 years old in revelations which continued until her death. Her writings were examined by Franciscan and Dominican theologians and found to be solidly and reliably Catholic.
A great prayer was given to her by our Lord with the assurance that when it is prayed sincerely, 1,000 souls are released from purgatory.
Eternal Father,
I offer you the Most Precious Blood of your Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the masses said throughout the world today,
for all the holy souls in purgatory,
for sinners everywhere,
for sinners in the universal church,
those in my own home
and within my family.
Amen.
Here is what the catechism says about the need to pray for the dead.
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“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.” CCC 1030.
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In 2 Maccabees 12:46, “Therefore {Judas Maccabeus} made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” CCC1032.
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From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. (Council of Lyons 1274). The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead.
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“If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them. {Saint John Chrysostom}” CCC 1032.
The Scriptures, the practice and tradition of the Church, and the saints all encourage us to pray for the dead. We are one family. We can help the dead and they can pray for us and help us too, whether they are in heaven or in purgatory.
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
