Twenty-seventh Day
As we may do much good by a prudent zeal for the living, we can still more benefit the souls in purgatory by the application of the merits of the precious blood. Those souls are already in the hands of God, undergoing a purification to fit them to enter heaven. They can do nothing for themselves; they must patiently endure the just punishment that is meted out to them. But the Church teaches us that we can help them, and we are encouraged to use the means which God has placed in our hands. Those who are in purgatory will surely go to heaven, but we can shorten their purification by prayer. Our supplications for the souls in purgatory may be even more productive of good than praying for the living, for these may resist the goodness of God and render themselves unworthy of further graces, while the souls in purgatory, being the friends of God, will readily receive the benefit of our prayers. Purgatory is an effect of sin, and sin and its effects are effaced by the blood of Christ. The Apostle has said that Jesus loved us, and has given His blood to wash us.
Prayer.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood, etc., etc.