Thursday, November 2, 2017, All Souls
Wisdom 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, Psalm 23:1-6, John 6:37-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110217.cfm
THE BIBLE ON PRAYING FOR THE DEAD
"If before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality." -Wisdom 3:4
It is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead (2 Mc 12:44-45). Because those in heaven or in hell don't benefit from our prayers, this implies that not everyone immediately goes to heaven or hell after they die. Therefore, when we pray for the dead, we must be praying for people in some other place, usually called purgatory. It is a place of purging and purification.
In the New Testament, the Lord suggests the existence of some place other than heaven or hell. Jesus went to "preach to the spirits in prison," who "had disobeyed as long ago as Noah's day" (1 Pt 3:19, 20; see also 1 Pt 4:6). These passages may refer to a place after death other than heaven or hell, but we don't know if this place still exists. Paul mentioned the Corinthians' practice of having themselves baptized on behalf of the dead (1 Cor 15:29). The most likely translation of this passage implies there is some place other than heaven or hell.
Jesus taught that the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven "in this age or in the age to come" (Mt 12:32). Does this suggest that some sins can be forgiven after death? If so, there must be a place after death other than heaven or hell.
We know from early Christian art that the Church of New Testament times prayed for the dead. We should do likewise, for it is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead and an act of faith in the resurrection of the dead.
Prayer: "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen."
Promise: "Everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life." -Jn 6:40
Praise: Missy, a teenager, has a special devotion to the souls in purgatory and prays for them daily.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from October 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 12, 2017
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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