It is 12th November 2019. We celebrate the memorial of St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr. The readings are from Wisdom 2:23-3:9; and the Gospel from Luke 17:7-10. The Catechism teaches us in No.1030 and 1032, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. This teaching on Purgatory is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” We are taught in the first reading that the souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God. Right from the beginning, God desired eternal union with Him for humanity after death. Since God is immortal, God shares it with humanity. “Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and God watches over his elect.” (Wis.3:9). The responsorial Psalm praises, “I will bless the Lord at all times.” (Ps. The Gospel reminds us that we are here on earth to fulfil the purpose for which we are created by God. Let not the cruel, selfish and manipulative assessment of ourselves by the evil ones reduce our enthusiasm to do good. There is an insatiable competing someone is in every one us. We want to be better than that of someone who we look down upon and end up feeding the claws of pride and weakening the arms of charity. God offers innumerable opportunity everyone us to serve the suffering humanity. Our service to humanity needs to enliven the faith in God in us and others. Privilege to serve is our spiritual worship that we offer to the broken humanity. “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.” (Lk.17:10). May we be cautious of self-boasting and self-righteous attitudes in us and continue to serve the Lord and those who are in need. May you have a good day. May God bless you.

Leave a Comment