“Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed.” (Wisdom 3:5)

Today is All Souls’ Day, and for some reason, I kept coming back to this verse from Wisdom.

It made me think about purgatory, and how thankful I am to God for it.

Could you imagine a world without purgatory?

Think about it. What if there were just a line? You’re good enough for heaven, or you’re not. And if you’re not, well, off to hell you go.

I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t like my chances!

Now please know that’s not exactly how the Church teaches how purgatory works (that as a much deeper conversation). But that’s what got me thinking about just how merciful God is.

I think about all those who have gone before us. People I loved. Good people, but certainly not perfect people. Just like me.

And that’s where purgatory gives me so much hope. God loves us enough to cleanse those who die in His friendship of their remaining imperfections so they can spend eternity with Him.

Then in the second reading, Paul reminds us:

“But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Think about that. God knows we’re imperfect. He knows our sins and our struggles, yet He loves us enough to give His Son for us.

And that makes me even more thankful for purgatory and the hope we have for those who have gone before us.

In the Gospel, Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in Him and tells us He will raise them on the last day.

What a beautiful promise!

I often ask the saints to pray for me, but I also think about those who have died. I hope they’re praying for us, just as I pray for them.

We don’t know the state of every soul, but we can certainly pray for them and trust in God’s mercy.

And today, more than anything, I find myself thankful for that mercy. Thankful for the hope we have for those who have gone before us.

So my prayer today is simple.

Lord, thank You for purgatory. Thank You for loving us even in our imperfections. Please have mercy on all those who have died, especially those we love. Cleanse them of their sins and welcome them into heaven. And help us to live our lives so that one day we may join You and all those who have gone before us.

Who has gone before you that you can lift up to God in prayer today, trusting in His mercy?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Wisdom 3:1-9 | Psalm 23:1-6 | Romans 5:5-11 | John 6:37-40