prayer on the other side of death
“Those who trust in Him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with Him in love.” —Wisdom 3:9
Today the Church calls us to pray for the dead, since we believe death does not necessarily mean immediate entry into heaven or hell. The Bible indicates this when it mentions that providing sacrifices for the dead is considered “excellent and noble” (2 Mc 12:43).
Even so, most people are confused or at least doubtful about praying for the dead, and therefore we pray only sporadically for the dead, if at all. The Lord would have us be “clear about those who sleep in death” (1 Thes 4:13). He does not want us to yield to grief or apathy but wants us to be clear about praying for the dead and to pray with commitment. “Do not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord” (Eph 5:17).
Read the Scriptures we have just mentioned, since faith comes through hearing the Word of Christ (Rm 10:17). Ask the Spirit to teach you everything and guide you to all truth (Jn 14:26; 16:13). Listen to Him. “God is a God, not of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor 14:32). Let the Lord speak to you and show you new things in His Word. He will show us how to pray. “The Spirit too helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us” (Rm 8:26).
Prayer: Jesus, by Your Resurrection-victory over death and by the power of the Holy Spirit, may a deceased relative of mine be sanctified completely and enter Your kingdom.
Promise: “No one who comes will I ever reject.” —Jn 6:37
Praise: Since childhood, Louise has prayed for the poor souls with every rosary decade. “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.”
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2020"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.