It is a long-standing tradition to pray for a happy death. That might sound strange to someone who has no faith. What can be happy about death? Death is a doorway to heaven for a Catholic who receives the Last Blessing of the Church. When I am called to someone’s bedside who is dying, I bring my Holy Oils and Holy Communion.
As I walk into the home, the peace of Jesus greets me in the family members and the dying soul. Our Lord’s Presence is so imminent. Sorrow for all sin welcomes the Lord’s embrace in heaven when this person receives the Last Anointing.
However, should any stain of sin remain on a person’s soul when they die, God gives us the grace to become worthy of Him in heaven. All who die in God’s grace and friendship but are still imperfectly purified are assured of their eternal salvation. Still, after death, they undergo purification to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Catechism, 1030)
My brothers and sisters, we offer the Holy Mass for our deceased brothers and sisters. We offer prayers and sacrifices for their freedom to be with God in the joy of heaven. Let us pause now and surrender to the Lord, family, friends, and parishioners we know so they may be with Jesus for all eternity. And finally, we remember anyone in purgatory who has no one to pray for them.
February 7, 2026, Mark 6:30-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020726.cfm We All Need A Deserted Place There are so many pressures in today’s world. Getting stuck in traffic on
February 6, 2026, Mark 6:14-29 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020626.cfm What’s It Worth? Imagine I show you a dollar bill in one hand and a penny in the other—
February 5, 2026, Mark 6:7-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm Ignite the Fire in Each Other. During the difficult initial months of the pandemic, our parish staff experienced a
Mark 6:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm Faith’s Struggles. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many who are serious about their relationship with God
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Feast of All the Faithful Departed
November 2, 2024, John 6:37-40
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110224.cfm
Pray for the Faithful Departed
It is a long-standing tradition to pray for a happy death. That might sound strange to someone who has no faith. What can be happy about death? Death is a doorway to heaven for a Catholic who receives the Last Blessing of the Church. When I am called to someone’s bedside who is dying, I bring my Holy Oils and Holy Communion.
As I walk into the home, the peace of Jesus greets me in the family members and the dying soul. Our Lord’s Presence is so imminent. Sorrow for all sin welcomes the Lord’s embrace in heaven when this person receives the Last Anointing.
However, should any stain of sin remain on a person’s soul when they die, God gives us the grace to become worthy of Him in heaven. All who die in God’s grace and friendship but are still imperfectly purified are assured of their eternal salvation. Still, after death, they undergo purification to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (Catechism, 1030)
My brothers and sisters, we offer the Holy Mass for our deceased brothers and sisters. We offer prayers and sacrifices for their freedom to be with God in the joy of heaven. Let us pause now and surrender to the Lord, family, friends, and parishioners we know so they may be with Jesus for all eternity. And finally, we remember anyone in purgatory who has no one to pray for them.
Peace be with you, everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 7, 2026, Mark 6:30-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020726.cfm We All Need A Deserted Place There are so many pressures in today’s world. Getting stuck in traffic on
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 6, 2026, Mark 6:14-29 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020626.cfm What’s It Worth? Imagine I show you a dollar bill in one hand and a penny in the other—
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2026, Mark 6:7-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm Ignite the Fire in Each Other. During the difficult initial months of the pandemic, our parish staff experienced a
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time February 4, 2026
Mark 6:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm Faith’s Struggles. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many who are serious about their relationship with God
Categories
Send Us A Message