In this beautiful, reverent, and eye-opening episode of The Inner Life, Patrick Conley sits down with Fr. Joseph Johnson, the rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota, to tackle something most of us would rather avoid: death… and more importantly, how we honor our dead as Catholics. You can listen to the entire episode here.
🕯️ What a Funeral Mass Truly is
Fr. Johnson says: “The funeral Mass is not a time for fishing stories.”
It’s about worshiping God and entrusting the soul of the deceased to His infinite mercy. That’s real hope. 🙏
So yes, grieve, remember, give thanks. But do it through the lens of faith, not like the pagans did it back in the day.
Stop Canonizing People at Their Funerals
Fr. Johnson worries we’ve gotten way too comfy just assuming everyone’s in heaven, tossing out the idea of purgatory, and turning funerals into canonization ceremonies. Let’s not shortcut the reality that God is merciful and we still need to repent and be purified. The funeral Mass reminds us of that sacred tension.
✝️ Why Mass Intentions Matter… Even After Death
Father explains that if you’re praying for someone after they’ve passed, like having Masses offered for them, those prayers still matter. God can apply your prayers to moments before their death.
This includes helping with final repentance, softening hearts, and hastening purification. That’s why praying for the dead is an act of love that never expires. 💌🕊️ Purgatory is God’s final mercy, a place to finish becoming who you were meant to be.
For Our Loved Ones Nearing Death…
A caller named Nicole calls in, trying to help her elderly aunt and uncle prepare spiritually before they pass. She knows, from her own mom’s death, that prayer matters. Assuming someone is “ready” isn’t the same as actually being ready.
Fr. Johnson offers some pastoral gold:
-Pray that they’re open to grace.
-Help them be sorry for sins, even the ones they don’t fully remember.
-If they’re stubborn? Ask: “If God thinks this was a sin, would you be sorry?” That counts!
-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially at the hour of death. Jesus made BIG promises for that prayer.
TL;DR: How to Truly Love the Dead 💜
-Have a Funeral Mass. Don’t just “celebrate life.” Worship God.
-Offer Masses for their soul. Even years later.
-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
-Don’t canonize your loved ones. Love them enough to pray them all the way home.
-Talk about death and prepare your own soul. (And maybe your will through Catholic Legacy; it’s free from Relevant Radio)
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS