Votive Mass for the Dead

We all know that the happiest people in all of God’s creation are those in heaven who see God face to face. The second happiest people are those in purgatory whose salvation is guaranteed.  And all the baptized here on earth are the third happiest people, for we share in God’s divine nature as members of the Mystical Body of Christ.  We are children of God destined to eternal life.

But why do we pray for those in purgatory if they are so happy?  Because they are like the blind man in Jericho who cried out to Jesus as he was passing by, saying, “Lord let me see.”  Those in purgatory burn with desire to see God, and our prayers help bring that day closer and closer. 

Someday, when we are in the same state, longing to see God, those we have helped by our prayers will in their turn be praying for us, hastening the day when we will be with them, enjoying the beatific vision, seeing God!