St. John Chrysostom on Purgatory

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St. John Chrysostom on Purgatory
Homilies of 1 Corinthians, Homily XLI, verse 42;
Homilies on Philippians, Homily III, verse 24.

TIA | September 30, 2023

Since the present day progressivist Popes, Prelates and theologians never reaffirm the Catholic doctrine on Purgatory, it is good to recall words from an early Church Father on the need to pray for the souls who suffer there.

Here St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) calls for Catholics to pray for the poor souls and to give alms to the poor on their behalf.

St. John Chrysostom

"Let us give them aid and remember them. For if the children of Job were purified by the sacrifice of their father (Job 1:5), why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation since God is wont to grant the petitions of those who ask for others. And this Paul signified saying 'that in a manifold Person your gift towards us bestowed by many may be acknowledged with thanksgiving on your behalf.' (2 Cor 1:11) Let us not, then, be weary in giving aid to the departed, both by offering on their behalf and obtaining prayers for them." (Homilies on 1 Corinthians)

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"Let us weep for those who have died in their wealth, and did not from their wealth think of any solace for their souls, for those who had power to wash away their sins and did not will to do it. Let us weep for these in private and in public …

"Let us weep for these and let us offer them [the deceased] some assistance to the extent of our ability. Let us think of some assistance for them, small as it may be, yet let us somehow assist them. But how, and in what way? By praying for them and by entreating others to make prayers for them, by constantly giving to the poor on their behalf. …

"Not in vain was it decreed by the Apostles that remembrance should be made of the dead in the awesome Mysteries. They knew the great gain that resulted to them, the great benefit. For when the whole people stands with uplifted hands, a priestly assembly, and that great sacrificial Victim lies displayed, how shall we not prevail with God by our entreaties for them?

"And this we do for those who have departed in faith, even while the catechumens are not thought worthy even of this consolation, but are deprived of all means of help save one. And what is this? We may give to the poor on their behalf. This deed in a certain way refreshes them. For God wills that we should be mutually assisted." (Homilies on Philippians)