First Things - Purgatory for Everyone

First Things ^ | April 2002 | Jerry L. Walls

[esquirette]

The correct and simple answer is that God does not look upon our righteousness. Our characters are not perfect either now or when we pass on. We are ushered into the Kingdom (not purgatory) based upon the perfection and righteousness of Christ. God the Father sees Christ-not us. We receive a new body (a resurrected body) based upon Christ’s work which God has promised.
______________________________
Well said and worth a BTTT.

[Paved Paradise]

Dear NM, I really don’t see why you can say that. I do believe that my m-in-law’s church would have said masses for her, having become aware of her death and the fact that the funeral was there, etc. The other place had no way of knowing so there is no way a mass could be said other than her friend solicited them.

[Paved Paradise]

Thanks for the offer; although prayer is always appreciated, you don’t need to have a mass for me.

[netmilsmom]

>>Dear NM, I really don’t see why you can say that.<<

I say it because it is true.
Your MIL’s church says a Holy Mass for all the Departed on All Soul’s Day, the year she died. Her parish also had her Funeral Mass. Those are Holy Masses said, free of charge.

Now, had your MIL’s friend walked into her parish and asked at the office to have a Holy Mass said, but did not want a card, your MIL would have had her name included on the intentions for a Holy Mass, free of charge. She wanted a card so she paid.

I think you are seeing this wrong. The “charge” is for the card and can also be a stipend for the Priest. It’s not required but is given in good taste, like a donation. There is not a set amount. I’ve paid for the cards saying “I paid for a mass to be said.” but it’s not for the “Holy Mass” itself. It’s a tip, if you will. I’ve ‘paid’ nothing or I’ve ‘paid’ a large amount. It’s up to each person.

This week in our parish is the Novena for the Poor Souls. There are 10.00 cards (really pretty ones) sold after every mass. Every day for nine days, the departed have a mass said for them. If you bought a card, you write the name on the inner card and it is given to the office. However, if you can’t afford the pretty greeting card or don’t have anyone living to give it to, you go into the office and free of charge, write the name of your loved one on a spare ‘inner card’ that will be included with all the other cards on the Altar. I’ve done it for both my parents who are gone. I didn’t spend a dime.

[netmilsmom]

>>Thanks for the offer; although prayer is always appreciated, you don’t need to have a mass for me.<<

Then prayers it is! I’m just a sinner but The Lord lends an ear to even the lowest of us. Thank Goodness or I’d be lost for sure!

[LadyDoc]

I suspect she is in Purgatory, but Mother Teresa probably got God to give her a "get to heaven fast" pass.

Princess Diana was given Catholic last rites by a priest in the French hospital before she died.

To me, this is a sign that she was seeking God and he was granting her the grace of final repentance.

As for her “sinful” lifestyle: Her sexual peccadilloes never “harmed” anyone, but her charities helped many.

How much of her seeking love in other men's arms were from Charles having a longstanding girlfriend, and finding he never loved her but only married her only to have children?

[Paved Paradise]

Amen! The older I get the more I am sure of not only the depth of my sin but the depth of HIS love for me. Sometimes I am particularly overcome by the absolute grace of it all. I still don’t know how I am able to be called Beloved but I am grateful beyond what words can ever say.