Funeral Mass / Repose of Soul

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Philosophymasta

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Hi,

My question pertains to a Funeral Mass / Repose of Soul.

Question: If I understand Catholic Theology on this matter properly, the Church teaches, that at the moment of death, the Rational/Immortal Soul faces immediate judgment. Since a person has died already, what is the point/objective of the Funeral Mass/Repose of Soul?

Thanks.

God Bless,
Mateusz
 
Catholics believe in purgatory, and prayers for a person can alleviate suffering in Purgatory. Prayers and personal suffering may be “offered up” for the souls in Purgatory in general or for a particular soul. And if your prayers help a person to attain Heaven sooner then they will most likely pray for your soul when you get to heaven.

Lately funeral masses have been also to help those who are grieving. Though, it didn’t used to be like that.
 
Yes, at death each soul has a particular (individual) judgement. The soul then goes to Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell.

Why have a funeral Mass? Because we don’t know where they are. So, we hope for what is best for them, that they rest in peace. Also, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, showing respect through proper burial, honors the Children of God.

See The Catechism of the Catholic Church 1021-1060, esp. 1032, 2299-2301

God Bless,
Red Beard
 
Don’t forget we are subject to time and God isn’t. He can apply those prayers to the moment of death for that person. We can always hope if someone is in mortal sin that it leads them to an act of perfect contrition. If not, that their stay in purgatory is shorter. Otherwise, the prayers could also be applied to someone else as God sees fit.
 
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