PAIN OF SORROW FOR SIN
The soul departed,
before the judgment seat of God, is enlightened with a perfect knowledge of the
purity and sanctity of her Divine Judge, clearly perceiving the stains with
which she is sullied, and her extreme unworthiness of union with God, the
thought that I have offended God who is eternal beauty and perfection; I am not
yet worthy to appear before the face of the Lord, who is infinitely holy, not
worthy to take possession of my dwelling place in Heaven, is the greatest
sorrow of the suffering souls. Much more clearly than during their earthly
lives do these holy souls comprehend the perfections of God and love Him above
all things; therefore, the thought of having offended Him is a piercing sorrow
which surpasses all their other sufferings.
St. Ambrose tells us, there is no greater agony
than remorse of conscience caused by sin. There are examples on record of men
who died from the effects of this vehement sorrow. Yet how much more intense must
be the contrition of the suffering souls, who fully understand the great malice
of sin! We know by our own experience that the depth of sorrow for having
offended a person is equal to the love
we bear him. The holy souls in Purgatory, being inflamed with a perfect love of
God, their perfect contrition for sin is their greatest sorrow.
O
God, Father of grace and mercy, graciously regard the deep sorrow of the suffering
souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept their love and grant them remission of their
punishment, that, united with Thee, they may praise Thy goodness for ever.
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Pray
for the souls who, while on earth, loved God most ardently.
Eternal Rest (3x)
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Invocation
My Jesus, mercy!
My Jesus, mercy!
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