OPINION: Matthew Wigton — Victory, purification, love and mercy

November is traditionally the month we remember the saints who have victoriously made it to heaven.

“Saint” comes from the Latin word “sanctus,” meaning holy. The saints are those who participate in the holiness of God. They are our brothers and sisters, both models of faith to inspire us, and powerful intercessors beseeching God on our behalf.

In fact, all the prophets and holy men and women in Scripture give us testimony regarding the effectiveness of their prayers for others. St. Paul says: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men …” (1 Tim. 2:1).

St. John writes: “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God” (Rev. 8:3-4).

November is also a special month for remembering the souls of those still needing purification before entering heaven, for “nothing unclean shall enter it” (Rev. 21:27). Heaven is total communion with God, thus if we die in His grace but not yet in perfect communion, His grace needs to mercifully perfect us so we may be “perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:47).

Jesus clarifies this reality while discussing His judgment of our earthly behavior: “Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny” (Mt. 5:25-26).

Also, “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come” (Mt. 12:32). Obviously, Jesus presupposes some sins will be forgiven “in the age to come.” Another wonderful example of God’s merciful and purifying fire is in 1 Cor. 3:10-15. Historically both the Jews in Maccabees and the early Christians believed in a phase of purification for those requiring it, and lovingly offered up prayers on their behalf.

November is a month of God’s love and mercy. He makes us partakers of His divine nature, He makes us saints, His sons and daughters and His family. May we rejoice for the victories of His grace in the members of His body and sincerely pray for victory where it is still needed.

So with fervor and gratitude we remember: “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus …” (Heb. 12:1-2).

Peace, prayers and blessings,

Fr. Matthew Wigton