November 2, 2025 John 6:37-40
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110225.cfm
Pray for the Faithful Departed
Praying for a happy death is a long-standing tradition, which may seem strange to non-believers. For Catholics, death is a doorway to heaven, especially with the Last Blessing. When present with someone dying, I bring Holy Oils and Holy Communion.
As I enter the home, the peace of Jesus greets me through the family members and the dying soul. Our Lord’s presence feels so close. Sorrow for all sin welcomes the Lord’s embrace in heaven when this person receives the Last Anointing of the Church.
If sin remains when a person dies, God grants grace for them to become worthy of heaven. Those who die in grace but are imperfectly purified are assured of salvation, undergoing purification after death to reach the holiness needed for heaven. After death, a person can do nothing for themselves to make up for their sins, apart from being sorry.
My brothers and sisters, we offer the Holy Mass for our deceased loved ones. Let us pause and surrender them to the Lord, family, friends, and parishioners so they may be with Jesus forever. We also remember those in purgatory with no one to pray for them. Imagine being that soul in purgatory, waiting for someone to pray for them, knowing that they will not be forgotten.
Pope Benedict wrote about this beautiful source of Christian hope:
- “The belief that love can reach into the afterlife,
that reciprocal giving and receiving is possible, in which our affection for one another continues beyond the limits of death – this has been a fundamental conviction of Christianity throughout the ages, and it remains a source of comfort today. Who would not feel the need to convey to their departed loved ones a sign of kindness, a gesture of gratitude, or even a request for pardon?” (Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi #49)
Few things show forth the immense goodness and power of our God more than his turning the horror of death into a threshold of everlasting life.
Jesus told us in the Gospel that His Father wills that all who believe in him may have eternal life. What a joy that our prayers and sacrifices can bring someone to heaven who has been waiting for our help. I am sure they will pray for us when they see Jesus face-to-face.
Peace be with you, everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Feast of All the Faithful Departed
November 2, 2025 John 6:37-40
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110225.cfm
Pray for the Faithful Departed
Praying for a happy death is a long-standing tradition, which may seem strange to non-believers. For Catholics, death is a doorway to heaven, especially with the Last Blessing. When present with someone dying, I bring Holy Oils and Holy Communion.
As I enter the home, the peace of Jesus greets me through the family members and the dying soul. Our Lord’s presence feels so close. Sorrow for all sin welcomes the Lord’s embrace in heaven when this person receives the Last Anointing of the Church.
If sin remains when a person dies, God grants grace for them to become worthy of heaven. Those who die in grace but are imperfectly purified are assured of salvation, undergoing purification after death to reach the holiness needed for heaven. After death, a person can do nothing for themselves to make up for their sins, apart from being sorry.
My brothers and sisters, we offer the Holy Mass for our deceased loved ones. Let us pause and surrender them to the Lord, family, friends, and parishioners so they may be with Jesus forever. We also remember those in purgatory with no one to pray for them. Imagine being that soul in purgatory, waiting for someone to pray for them, knowing that they will not be forgotten.
Pope Benedict wrote about this beautiful source of Christian hope:
that reciprocal giving and receiving is possible,in which our affection for one another continues beyond the limits of death – this has been a fundamental conviction of Christianity throughout the ages, and it remains a source of comfort today. Who would not feel the need to convey to their departed loved ones a sign of kindness, a gesture of gratitude, or even a request for pardon?” (Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi #49)Few things show forth the immense goodness and power of our God more than his turning the horror of death into a threshold of everlasting life.
Jesus told us in the Gospel that His Father wills that all who believe in him may have eternal life. What a joy that our prayers and sacrifices can bring someone to heaven who has been waiting for our help. I am sure they will pray for us when they see Jesus face-to-face.
Peace be with you, everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
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