There shall not enter into it any thing defiled... (Revelation 21:27)
I have been in somewhat of a quandary lately as I struggle to find a worthy charity to give alms in this very corrupt world in which we live. Yet in listening to one of Father Francis Hunolt's sermons online, I was reminded that praying for the poor souls is one of the greatest acts of charity. The price of this donation is only time, yet it brings abundant benefits for those in prison who need "bale" (our prayers) for a speedier release. That said, I find consolation in knowing that even if I never find a reputable organization to donate a portion of my earnings, I can please God by continuing to pray for His dear ones. Who would not avail himself of such an act of kindness? Who would not have compassion on these poor souls, understanding they cannot help themselves? Who would not want to pray for those being purified through fire for the same venial sins that we commit daily, like...
* Being culpably ignorant of our Faith (and our other hidden sins that offend God); being discontent and impatient in adversity; being intemperate in eating, drinking, and sleep
* Engaging in idle, flattering, lying, fault-finding, quarrelsome, sarcastic contradictory talk
* Entertaining proud, ambitious, suspicious, impure thoughts that are fully or half-deliberate
* Exhibiting vanity of dress, manners, and demeanor
* Giving in to sensuality of taste and touch; giving scandal through carelessness
* Having a wrong intention in our actions; having our good works mixed with faults and imperfections
* Leading others into sin
* Neglecting the duties of our state in life, even in small things (and other sins of omission)
* Not checking the curiosity of our eyes and ears; not having restraint over our tongues; not fulfilling the obligations of Christian charity
* Performing devotions with coldness and tepidity; praying with fully or half-deliberate distractions
* Rejecting divine inspirations
* Squandering our precious time with useless engagements
* Succumbing to human respect, etc.
All of the above said, however, Our Lord assures us that we can obtain mercy for our own faults, failings, and shortcomings by helping the poor souls: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (St. Matthew 5:7)
CALL TO ACTION: Read the book "Purgatory" by Rev. F. X. Schouppe, S.J. for a better appreciation of what the poor souls endure. Also, PLEASE make time to pray for them daily!
Source: List of venial sins taken from Father Hunolt's sermon from the 21st Sunday after Pentecost.
Photo by Isabella & Zsa Fischer