> Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 11:01:54 -0600 960127.01
> From: btork@lombardi.wctc.net (Barb Tork)
> Subject: Purgatory
>
> Hi Father Mateo:
> So glad you are feeling better. We missed you!
>
> My question is about purgatory: I have heard that when you
> are in purgatory praying for yourself no longer does any
> good. What if before your death you made arrangements to
> have many masses said for you and they are to be said only
> after your death. Would this be the same thing?
> Barb Tork
Dear Barb,
Thank you for your good wishes.
The souls in purgatory undergo a purely passive purification.
They can no longer merit for themselves. They can however pray
for us -- at least most theologians say so (not, however, St.
Thomas Aquinas).
In every Mass, the priest is Jesus Christ, ever living to make
intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). In his offering, he is united
to the members of his Mystical Body the Church. If before death
you have arranged for Masses to be offered for you, in those
Masses you will not be praying for yourself, but Christ in union
with his members will be interceding for you with the Father.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -
-- | CIN (619-449-6030) Fido: (1:202/1613) http://www.cin.org/cin | St. Gabriel Gift & Book Nook: http://www.stgabriel.com/gabriel