We rejoice at a birth and grieve at a funeral because we are not the person’s involved, says Mark Twain. Those involved, experience no grief; grieving is for the living. As for the dead, our faith tells us that although their bodies experience decay, their souls, created in God’s image and likeness, experience either eternal rest, eternal damnation or a period of purification awaiting the final beatific vision with God. There are several instances from the church’s tradition by Saints Cyprian, Augustine, Thomas etc, reminding us of the existence of a place of purification for the departed souls, as judged by God himself, and thus the need for us to pray for the dead.
Scriptural evidence also abound regarding our belief in purgatory: The book of 2 Maccabees 12:42-46 relates how the Jews prayed for their fallen ones, that their sins might be forgiven them. Matthew 12:32 leaves open the possibility that sins are forgiven not only in this world but in the world to come. Also, Matthew 5:26, in the form of a parable, threatens the person who does not show brotherly love with just punishment by the divine judge. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 speaks of transient punishment in the other world, probably consisting of severe tribulations, after which the final salvation will take place.
According to our faith, some of our faithful departed are presently in a painful state (suffering). They nevertheless experience some joy in knowing that they will, in time, be fully united with their creator in his glory and happiness. Furthermore, the souls in purgatory can benefit from and indeed need the prayers and works of charity of other believers still on the journey of life (militant).
For those who say they find it difficult to understand purgatory, it is a very simple matter; hold your belief. As for me, I prefer to go with the teaching of the Bible and the Church’s tradition that although heaven and hell exist, there is also purgatory, where the souls of our departed Faithful still need prayers and supplications
Fr. Peter Obele Abue.