Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Visit a Cemetery From Nov. 1 to 8 to Pray for the Dead

10/31/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Halloween is not my favorite "holiday" of the year.  While some people have accused me at times of simply being against any type of fun, I attempt to bring a little clarification to my concerns.  It worries me that many significant religious celebrations in the Christian tradition are hijacked by secular endeavors.  The birth of our Lord (Christmas) has Santa Claus.  The resurrection of our Lord (Easter) has the Easter bunny.  Trick or treating, or even more sinister antics of one kind or another, has usurped the focus of All Hallows Eve.  Do we spend as much time praying for the faithful departed as we do preparing our home for Halloween?  Do these things coincide with one another?

Catholics believe that we have indeed been redeemed by the blood of Christ. His passion, death, and resurrection has set us free from the bondage of sin. We are truly blessed by God's amazing grace and mercy.  That blessing demands a response from us. 
We are called to be holy.

Some people criticize Catholics for trying to "earn" their way to heaven.  I simply consider myself in good company if I join St. Paul in "working out my salvation in fear and trembling." (See Philippians 2:12)  Jesus makes it clear that there are expectations for our behavior.  "You are my friends if you do what I command."  (John 15:14)  So what happens if we fail to live our lives in holiness and die in a state of sin?  Is there a purification process before entering heaven since nothing unclean can enter into God's eternal dwelling? If so, what does that purification process entail?  Is it beneficial to pray for the dead?  I encourage you to invest some time in study, prayer, and meditation on these very serious aspects of life and death.  Here are some specific suggestions.


I invite you to spend some time reading the Catechism about this topic.
www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a12.htm

A little refresher course on indulgences, especially for the faithful departed during the month of November, can be found here:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1178


Finally, I would suggest reading a brief article to gain further insight into Catholic teaching especially based upon the Book of Maccabees.
www.catholicjournal.us/2016/11/02/maccabees-prayers-dead/

Picture
Is the contrast between the secular observance and religious observance of All Hallows Eve as clear as black and white? 
Picture
Okay, I'll have a little treat after I spend time in prayer.  Candy apple?  I think I shall have one.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.