There is no resurrection without the cross. The trials and losses we experience – our own mini "end-times" – can become the very means by which our lives are transformed, take on deeper meaning, and prepare us to meet Christ in heaven. Consider a loss or painful trial, past or present, and bring it to Jesus in prayer, asking, "Lord, how have you used/how are you using this trial in my life to deepen my faith and prepare me for heaven?" Then, being open to God's grace, watch how He moves you.

Readings at this Mass: Mal 3:19-20a | 2 Thes 3:7-12 | Lk 21:5-19

Each of us is a temple of God, a dwelling place for the Spirit. So perhaps the Gospel is inviting us to something deeper: maybe Jesus wants to help us clean out our own temple. We can’t do it alone. We need Jesus to help drive out the money changers: those fears, distractions, and habits that fill our lives with noise and confusion. If we let Him, He’ll cleanse our hearts so that what flows out of us is no longer muck, but clear, living water.

Readings at this Mass: Ez 47:1–2, 8–9, 12 | 1 Cor 3:9c–11, 16–17 | Jn 2:13–22

Purgatory is the purification, the liberation, the healing that we still need — even after death — to prepare us for the immense, tremendous life that God has in store for us in Heaven. Purgatory is very different than Hell; it’s not “Hell Lite.” It’s got nothing to do with condemnation, fear, or punishment. It’s about a Father who loves us so much that even after death, He refuses to give up on us and leave us incomplete, too weak to stand in the dazzling light of His presence.

Readings at this Mass: Wis 3:1–9 | Rom 5:5–11 | Jn 6:37–40