Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 6, 37-40
Jesus said to the crowds:
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Church Militant, Church Penitent and Church Triumphant
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how there are “three states of the Church”. Traditionally these three states have been referred to as the Church Militant, Church Penitent (also known as Church Suffering or Church Expectant) and Church Triumphant. Together, these three make up the Communion of Saints we confess in the Creed.
1. Church Triumphant refers to what we celebrated yesterday, that is to say, to those who enjoy the presence of God and are souls that rejoice in Heaven; they are in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God Himself triune and one, exactly as He is’ (CCC, #954). They are the saints known by the Church as well as those saints known only to God.
2. Church Penitent is what we celebrate today. I’m referring to those who have died and are being purified. That’s why we pray for those who are purging their sins and need our prayers and mass in order to receive help to be purified and be able to contemplate God in Heaven. If you visit the cemetery today you earn indulgences, and we help the souls in Purgatory.
3. Church Militant refers The Church as it exists on earth; I’m referring to those who are pilgrims on earth. What you do on earth has divine impact or resonance. It is important to be a good person and fight to reach our goal, not harming anyone and not complicating other people’s life. Selfishness and arrogance are two aspects that complicate life significantly. It is up to you to have a generous and open heart to see everything that surrounds you. Life is short, but it is also a privilege to live it. It is more plentiful if we help others, so keep on doing good deeds daily, even though you might believe that bad people have it better. Let your life be an accomplishment everyone can be proud of, loving God and doing your best every day. Remember that something good is on the way!
May God Almighty bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
