The Church Suffering

As yesterday was a day to remember the Church Triumphant, today we set aside a day to remember those who have died who need to be purified from their sins before entering into heaven.  This might seem a confusing concept to many of my family and friends (especially those who have not been catechized or who are non-Catholics).  I cannot explain it better than the words of our catechism.

First we must understand that there are three states of the Church (alluded to in my last post).  The Church teaches:

The three states of the Church. “When the Lord comes in glory, and all his angels with him, death will be no more and all things will be subject to him. But at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is’” (CCC #954; Matthew 25: 31; 1 Corinthians 15: 26-27)

From this understanding we can see that there are those who need assistance into God's glory.  The catechism speaks of this in great detail:

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)

The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence (1431) and Trent (1545-1563). the tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire (CCC #1031; specifically 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 and 1 Peter 1:7):

As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come. (CCC #1472)

This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” (2 Maccabes 12:46) From the beginning the Church has honored 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 (2 Maccabes 12:45):

Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice (Job 1:5), 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. (CCC #1032; Homily of St John Chrystostom)

This all becomes clear when we study what is known as the "last things."  To understand the eschatology (the study of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind) of our beliefs, we are better able to understand how to help those along the journey of life.  I have always been fascinated with this subject.  And although today I do not have peg dolls to share...I place these faceless pegs in place of those we should continue to remember so that we can pray for their souls.  This in hopes that we will one day be united as we are taught:

In the one family of God. For if we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity—all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ—we will be faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church. (CCC #959 in reference to Hebrews 3:6)

We will be going to Mass today...not because we are told we must but because we love those who have gone before us and want to do all we can...in union with the Church through Christ...to help them obtain happiness with God in glory!  Praise to God for His mercy and providing us all the help we need even in death to be with Him!