THE LORD REWARDS CHARITY TOWARDS THE HOLY SOULS
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matth. v. 7.)
Theologians assert that those who bestow mercy upon the suffering souls, shall themselves find great relief and assistance in Purgatory; they consider active charity towards the holy souls a mark of predestination to eternal happiness. It is true, says St. Thomas Aquinas, that he who satisfies for the suffering souls does not satisfy for himself, but, it is also true, adds the saint, that he deserves more than the remission of pain, namely, eternal life. Hence it is that God Himself, by the mouth of the Royal Prophet, expresses Himself; "Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day." (Ps. xl. i.) The assistance of the holy souls is also experienced in temporal wants, in favor of their benefactors. Bishop Colmar of Mayence writes: “These destitute, suffering souls do not wait until they enter Heaven to exhibit their gratitude towards their benefactors: whilst they still languish in Purgatory, they pray without intermission for the welfare of soul and body, obtain for them recovery from disease, assistance in poverty, help in necessities, counsel and protection on journeys and in danger, preservation and increase of their temporal goods, aid them in the salvation of their souls, and, above all, come to their relief in the agonies of death and before the judgment-seat of God.”
Prayer : We beseech Thee, O Lord! graciously hear the humble and fervent prayers we offer for the souls in Purgatory, and grant that the charity we extend towards our suffering brothers and sisters, may, by their supplications, obtain for us protection and help. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession : Pray for the souls who are suffering in Purgatory for their want of gratitude.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice : In spiritual and temporal wants, take refuge to the holy souls.
Invocation : My Jesus, mercy!
