Fr Augustine Vallooran, VC
“Their hope is full of immortality” (Wis 3:4)
This is the season of love and remembrance. At this time of the year as a Church we pray in a very special way for the dead. We remember our dear ones who passed away. As families we gather to pray for them. We decorate their tombs, offer Holy Masses at church and make other sacrifices, all for the salvation of their souls. This is also the time when we are drawn to think of our own deaths.
“Love never ends” (1 Cor 13:8)
At this moment I remember my parents who have passed on. I’m grateful to them and am keenly aware that all that I am today is because of them. My heart seeks to connect with them. This I am able to do by entering the presence of God. When I pray, I am in the presence of God. Here as I remember them, I thank God for their love and the gift of their lives. I pray to God to have mercy on them that they be admitted to the bliss of heaven. This is how I continue to love my parents. All of us have dear ones who are no more on this earth. We cannot forget them. We need to pray for them.
There are certain Christian denominations that object to praying for the dead. Their argument is that once a person dies they either are in heaven or in hell. If they are in heaven, they contend why should we pray for them, and if they are in hell there is no use in praying for them. This is a fundamentally faulty argument.
We know that even those who are totally committed to God would still be burdened by traces of the impurity of sin. It is also clear that nothing unholy will enter the presence of god. I need to understand them as I understand myself. However much I’m committed to my God, I realize I’m a sinful person. This is the case for the dear ones who are taken from this life. I love them by praying for them. I offer their souls to God that they may receive the ultimate crown of eternal bliss in the presence of God. This explains how important and sacred is the remembrance and prayer for the dead.
As we do so, we also contemplate the reality of our own deaths. I cannot build a shelter on this earth, for nothing built here will remain forever. It is a very passing world we live in. As we contemplate death we should endeavour to purify ourselves as much as we can… that we may be like Him – “perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your word that reveals the glorious mystery of life and death. We pray for our dear ones whom you have called from this life to your presence. In your mercy forgive them and purify that they find their peace and heavenly bliss. Amen.
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