Daily Mass Homily: Friday, November 2nd (All Soul's Day)

          There are some who think Purgatory is a scary fiery place that is pain above all else.  We don’t know for sure what Purgatory is like as no one of us has been there.  We must remember that whatever the cleansing or purgation involves, it leads us to full communion with God in heaven and for that we should be excited!

Yet I tend to think of Purgatory in a different way.  I imagine life as a race—particularly a marathon.  This comes from my own love of running but also from the Scriptures in which St. Paul frequently refers to running and athletics to promote the faith.  We push to the end—through the easy times and terrible times, good weather and bad, hills and flats.  We push to get to the finish line and in our lives this comes at our last breath. 

The first thing I want to do after a marathon is get to the beer tent.  There is nothing quite like an ice cold beer after such a long race, especially in celebrating the accomplishment with fellow runners. 

Yet the finisher of a marathon doesn’t go directly to the festivities.  Some need water.  Others need a massage or medical care.  Some even get hauled to a hospital by ambulance.  In a similar way, we don’t know what shape a soul is when they cross the finish line of life.  We don’t know if they’re dehydrated, cramping or injured in a spiritual sense.  Purgatory is the place for such souls to receive nourishment, cleansing and healing.

Today we pray for those who have gone before us, especially from our families and friends.  We pray that soon their feast day in the Church will be transferred to yesterday—All Saints—and that we may one day unite with them in heaven.