Thank you each and all for answering!
Brendan, I agree with you that this is “a prayer for the souls in Purgatory”, and that they are being cleansed “from the temporal effects of their sins.” That “[t]hey have been judged faithful” helps me to see that the original question is not a matter of praying for the “faithful” departed as opposed to not praying for the “unfaithful” departed. However, I think the atheist who raised the question would still ask, “So, why pray for them, anyway, if they’re already being cleansed?”
Pianistclare, your answer seems to cover a far broader area than the original question asked. You and I both understand what you are saying; we certainly agree that “everyone could use prayer, no matter what”! However, the person asking the question sees no good in prayer, and that would be the end of THAT conversation, unfortunately.
Paduard, you say “Most of all those you pray for are almost certainly already in Heaven - they are Saints.” You appear to be almost certain that “most of” the faithful departed * “are almost certainly already in Heaven”. Please correct me if I have the wrong impression here – are you saying that there are few or relatively few souls in purgatory? What is your basis for saying this?
I’m afraid that my atheist questioner would make mincemeat out of your statement that “However your charity will obviously benefit you and thus praying for the faithful [or anyone come to that) is a most honourable action.” Here’s how I read it – and how this particular atheist would probably read it (let me know if I’m reading it incorrectly):
“However, [my] charity will obviously benefit [me] and thus praying for anyone is a most honourable action” – but surely you don’t mean to imply that selfishishness in prayer is honourable? What am I missing here?
On the other hand, Paduard, today (before I had read your post) I asked a young Catholic who had an excellent education in a truly Catholic college this same question. She began by saying almost word for word what you said to begin your post – “Praying for the faithful departed is an act of charity.” I was edified to see your response – it was like a confirmation – and I wondered if you and she had gone to the same school!
Anyway, thank you all once again. Your comments have helped to refine the answer that will eventually make its way to the person who “started all this”, and I would be glad to hear any other ideas you may have.
Miriam*
Thank you Miriam for your (name removed by moderator)ut above. No, I do not think you have misunderstood anything in reference to my contribution. We may differ very gently on a couple of very insignificant perceptions; but that is all. And I went - 11 plus upwards - to an all male school, so very doubtful whether your friend went to the same school.
God Bless,
paduard
