In this month dedicated to the Faithful Departed, we are reminded of the importance of praying for each other, and in particular the poor souls in purgatory who cannot pray for themselves and rely on our prayers.
Pope Emeritus Benedict describes poor souls as “pots” that need to cleansed. The cleansing agent is our prayers for them as we are the God’s hands.
We need to pray for the sanctification of our own souls as well. Is there something in my life that is preventing me from accepting God’s love and mercy? Am I showing mercy on others with the same compunction as Jesus shows to us? Do I forgive others from my heart?
I have always had a strong conviction that I cannot be satisfied only in achieving my own salvation. I hope that one day I may be united once more with family members, coworkers and friends that shaped my life on earth. In this, I rely on God’s mercy. I am also consciously aware that I must be a good example to those who enter my life: my wife, child, parents, co-workers, students, neighbors, the needy and even those that I disagree.
We need to pray for each other and be good to each other. Can we not be compassionate to others, even when they hurt us? Can we forgive others even when they have hurt us deeply? Who of us does not stand without some sort of sin that needs to be washed away by prayer and our willingness to make better choices and to conviction to avoid the near occasions of sin.
Sometimes, listening to or participating actively in music will be an intrigal part in the healing process as we journey together to our mortal end in which we hope their will be a happy conclusion. That conclusion being eternal life in the absolute and complete presence of Christ for ourselves and for all whom we pray.