Episode 2719: Praying for Souls - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
Praying for Souls and Following Christ's Obedience
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Tonight, we delve into two profound aspects of our spiritual journey: the call to intercede for the holy souls in Purgatory and the example of perfect obedience given to us by Jesus Christ. These themes remind us of our responsibility toward others and our ultimate call to conform our will to God's.
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1. The Call to Empty Purgatory
St. Padre Pio, known for his intense devotion to the holy souls, exhorts us:
“We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.”
This simple yet profound statement speaks to the interconnectedness of the Church Militant, Suffering, and Triumphant. The souls in Purgatory can no longer pray for themselves; they rely entirely on our intercessions, sacrifices, and Mass offerings to hasten their journey to Heaven.
Scripture reminds us of this duty in 2 Maccabees 12:46:
“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”
By offering our prayers, especially the Rosary and indulgences, we imitate Christ’s mercy. St. Padre Pio, who often suffered for the sake of others, understood the joy of participating in this divine work of love. Each soul released from Purgatory becomes a saint in Heaven, interceding for us and glorifying God for eternity.
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2. The Example of Christ’s Obedience
Raoul Plus, S.J., reflects on Christ’s perfect submission to the Father’s will:
“The purpose of His earthly life becomes more defined: 'He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the Cross.'”
This obedience was not a one-time act but the defining feature of Christ's earthly life. From His hidden years in Nazareth to His Passion, Jesus exemplified what it means to place God’s will above all else.
Consider Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane:
“Not my will, but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42).
In this moment of agony, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of surrender. His obedience was an expression of love not a mere submission of duty but a total gift of Himself to the Father for the salvation of souls.
As Raoul Plus points out, Christ never acted for His own benefit but always sought to fulfill the Father’s business. This humility and selflessness call us to examine our own lives. Are we willing to align our will with God’s, even when it involves sacrifice?
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3. Our Role in Obedience and Intercession
These two themes praying for the souls in Purgatory and embracing obedience are deeply connected. When we sacrifice our time, comfort, and desires for the good of others and the glory of God, we participate in Christ’s redemptive mission.
• For the Souls in Purgatory: Offer up the daily crosses you bear in union with Christ’s Passion for their release. Pray unceasingly, remembering that your love can help them achieve the Beatific Vision.
• In Obedience to God’s Will: Like Christ, be about your Father’s business. Whether in small tasks or significant decisions, seek to act not out of self-interest but out of love for God and neighbor.
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Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, who showed us perfect obedience and love through His Passion and Death. Inspired by His example and the teachings of the saints, we ask for the grace to conform our will entirely to Yours.
Lord, may our prayers and sacrifices serve to release the holy souls from Purgatory, so they may join You in eternal glory. Teach us to embrace our crosses with patience and love, offering them for the salvation of others.
Through the intercession of St. Padre Pio, may we grow in devotion to the holy souls and in obedience to Your divine will. Strengthen us in faith, hope, and charity, that we may one day behold Your face in Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining tonight. Let us continue to pray for the holy souls and strive to imitate Christ’s perfect obedience in our lives. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.