Week Beginning December 18, 2022
Sacrifice
Offering sacrifices is a noble gesture that has a long history in a variety of cultures and religions as a way to help our deceased loved ones. By giving up something we value–such as time, money, or even comfort–we demonstrate our faith through our sincere offering to God. Our sacrifices honor the memories of those who have passed away and provide peace to those still alive.
In the Catholic tradition, performing acts of devotion in accordance with specific conditions can yield the spiritual reward of indulgences. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us: “Through indulgences the faithful can obtain the remission of temporal punishment resulting from sin for themselves and also for the souls in Purgatory” (CCC 1498).
To acquire an indulgence, the Catholic faithful must first possess the necessary disposition of loving God, detesting sin, trusting in the merits of Christ, and believing firmly in the great assistance derived from the Communion of Saints. They must then perform the prescribed acts, which vary depending on the particular indulgence but typically consist of reciting prayers, reading scripture, accomplishing charitable works, or making a pilgrimage. Indulgences are also available on certain feast days, anniversaries, and jubilees. Other requirements include making a recent Confession, receiving the Holy Eucharist, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and prayerfully requesting the indulgence.
A plenary indulgence, which grants full remission of the temporal punishment, is obtained when the recipient meets all of the conditions while remaining completely detached from sin. Partial indulgences, which remit a portion of the temporal punishment, are gained when only part of the penance is completed or when the recipient is not in a state of grace. Even if we are not yet able to receive a full plenary indulgence, great value is obtained from seeking partial indulgences as we continue to pray for God’s help to perfect our disposition. Pope Saint Paul VI explains in his 1967 Indulgentiarum Doctrina:
“The aim pursued by ecclesiastical authority in granting indulgences is not only that of helping the faithful to expiate the punishment due sin but also that of urging them to perform works of piety, penitence and charity–particularly those which lead to growth in faith and which favor the common good. And if the faithful offer indulgences in suffrage for the dead, they cultivate charity in an excellent way and while raising their minds to heaven, they bring a wiser order into the things of this world.”
In addition to prayers and indulgences, we can “offer up” acts of self-denial, such as fasting or abstinence from something we enjoy. Additionally, we can offer all of our suffering, pain, frustrations, and inconveniences for the benefit of the holy souls in Purgatory.
Service can be a powerful source of solace and an on-going opportunity to create a living tribute for those who have gone before us. Consider volunteering in a capacity that may have benefitted your loved ones while they were on earth. Or, offer your talents to a cause they championed. Helping others helps us to shift the focus off of ourselves and to shine the light of Christ upon those who most need his blessings.
Providing physical or material assistance to those less fortunate than ourselves gives us an opportunity to correct injustices on behalf of our dearly departed who might not have been able to complete charitable acts prior to bodily death. We can make monetary gifts in the names of our loved ones, recognizing that “almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin” (Tobit 12:9).
Another way to right injustices is to ask for forgiveness from those who have died that you may have wronged. Likewise, you can offer your forgiveness to those who have died that have offended you. This heartfelt exchange re-establishes peace in the universal order and promotes purification and enlightenment for you and the departed.
This week, consider how the habit of offering your trials and good works can aid the souls of others. During this final week of Advent, pick a small penance that you can sacrifice for the holy souls. Take advantage of Reconciliation Monday (December 19), and consider seeking an indulgence for someone in Purgatory.
Week Beginning December 11, 2022
Rejoice
Today, on the Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. The Latin word gaudete means “rejoice.” Halfway through Advent, we now rejoice in anticipation of the coming of the Lord. We await the birth of Jesus Christ, who will transform the winter of our souls into a springtime of new life. Rejoice, because soon we will all be united in Christ. Rejoice, because the Lord will give us the grace to grieve our loss and heal our past. Rejoice, because God’s joy is deeper than our sorrow.
In the spirit of rejoicing, we take this week to appreciate all of the joy that our dearly departed have brought into our lives. Take a moment to remember those who have gone before us. Treasure and share your memories of them with other loved ones. Swap stories, look at photograph albums, partake in their favorite traditions, and laugh together. Cook their favorite holiday recipe, sing their favorite Christmas carol, hang their favorite ornament on the tree, toast with their favorite drink, or snuggle in their favorite blanket. Display pictures of them enjoying past holidays with you. Carry a memento to remember that you are still connected in spirit.
Saint Basil the Great writes:
“At the hands of the righteous Judge, they who show like good deeds shall receive a like reward. We have not lost the lad; we have restored him to the Lender. His life is not destroyed; it is changed for the better. He whom we love is not hidden in the ground; he is received into heaven. Let us wait a little while, and we shall be once more with him. The time of our separation is not long, for in this life we are all like travelers on a journey, hastening on to the same shelter.”
This week, recall the lessons that you learned while traveling on this journey with your loved ones. What did they teach you, both directly and indirectly? How can you use that knowledge to better yourself, your neighbors, the world, and the Kingdom of God? Think about their contributions to family, friends, and society. Is there something that you can continue to do to keep their memory alive? How has your life changed from knowing and loving them? Let your love inspire you to lead a good life, continue on their path, and someday be able to hasten to that final shelter. And when you arrive, you will once again rejoice.
