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.”

Come, you who are blessed by my Father

1) The Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes “three states of the Church”. Traditionally, they’re called the Church Militant or Pilgrim, the Church Penitent (also known as the Church Suffering or Expectant), and the Church Triumphant. Together, they make up the Communion of Saints we profess in the Creed.

The Church Triumphant, which we celebrated yesterday, includes those who rejoice in God’s presence in Heaven. They’re in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God Himself triune and one, exactly as He is’ (CCC, #954). These are both the saints known to the Church and those known only to God.

Today, we remember the Church Expectant: those who’ve died and are being purified. We pray for these souls and offer Masses to help them through their purification so they can contemplate God in Heaven. Visiting the cemetery today brings indulgences that help the souls in Purgatory. 

The Church Militant, or Pilgrim Church, is the Church here on earth. That’s us: pilgrims walking together toward the same goal. We’re called to be good people and resist selfishness, arrogance, and all the temptations Satan puts in our path to rob us of peace. 

2) Your brothers and sisters. What you do in this life matters for eternity. That’s why it’s so important to keep striving to do good. Don’t hurt others or make their lives harder. Life is short, but it’s also beautiful—especially when we help those around us and bring them joy. As Christians, we can’t find true happiness at the cost of someone else’s suffering. Keep doing good, even when those who do wrong seem more successful. Live in a way that makes those around you proud: love God and give your best in everything you do.

3) When did we see you? Selfishness and arrogance are two flaws that can make life harder. A generous, open heart helps you notice others and step outside your own bubble. Remember, life isn’t just about your own experiences, feelings, or point of view. The people around you may be living very different lives. Keep that in mind!

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.

Prayer when you visit the cemetery

Father in heaven, as we stand before the resting place of our beloved (name of person), we remember the gift they were and continue to be to each of us here present. We thank you for their life, the love they shared with us, and we pray that they are with you now, enjoying the fullness of eternal life. Through your infinite love and mercy, graciously grant to the soul of your servant departed the remission of all their sins and let them attain everlasting rest and happiness through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ.

Comfort us in our sadness, strengthen us with your hope, until we are united with them again in the love of Christ and we are with you and our loved one forever. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

How you can offer a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory 

Every November, the Church gives the faithful the opportunity to offer a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory. This means we can release souls from their temporal punishment in purgatory so they can immediately go to heaven!

It is possible for the person offering the indulgence to release one soul from purgatory per day during this time period (November 1-8).

To obtain an indulgence, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

1. Visit a cemetery or cinerarium and pray for the departed. Visit a church or oratory and pray an Our Father, and the Creed.
2. Sacramental confession and holy Communion
3. Pray the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be and the Apostles Creed
4. Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father (Our Father and Hail Mary are suggested)