 

Let’s talk about funerals... 

In this beautiful, reverent, and eye-opening episode of The Inner Life, Patrick Conley sits down with Fr. Joseph Johnson, the rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota, to tackle something most of us would rather avoid: death... and more importantly, how we honor our dead as Catholics. You can listen to the entire episode here. 

🕯️ What a Funeral Mass Truly is

Fr. Johnson says:

"The funeral Mass is not a time for fishing stories." 

It’s about worshiping God and entrusting the soul of the deceased to His infinite mercy. That’s real hope. 🙏

So yes, grieve, remember, give thanks. But do it through the lens of faith, not like the pagans did it back in the day. 

Stop Canonizing People at Their Funerals

Fr. Johnson worries we've gotten way too comfy just assuming everyone’s in heaven, tossing out the idea of purgatory, and turning funerals into canonization ceremonies. Let’s not shortcut the reality that God is mercifulandwe still need to repent and be purified. The funeral Mass reminds us of that sacred tension.

✝️ Why Mass Intentions Matter... Even After Death

Father explains that if you’re praying for someone after they’ve passed, like having Masses offered for them, those prayers still matter. God can apply your prayers to moments before their death. 

This includes helping with final repentance, softening hearts, and hastening purification. That’s why praying for the dead is an act of love that never expires. 💌🕊️ Purgatory is God’s final mercy, a place to finish becoming who you were meant to be.

For Our Loved Ones Nearing Death...

A caller named Nicole calls in, trying to help her elderly aunt and uncle prepare spiritually before they pass. She knows, from her own mom’s death, that prayer matters. Assuming someone is “ready” isn't the same as actually being ready.

Fr. Johnson offers some pastoral gold:

-Pray that they’re open to grace .

-Help them be sorry for sins, even the ones they don’t fully remember.

-If they’re stubborn? Ask: “If God thinks this was a sin, would you be sorry?” That counts!

-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially at the hour of death. Jesus made BIG promises for that prayer. 

TL;DR: How to Truly Love the Dead 💜

-Have a Funeral Mass. Don’t just “celebrate life.” Worship God.

-Offer Masses for their soul. Even years later.

-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

-Don’t canonize your loved ones. Love them enough to pray them all the way home.

-Talk about death and prepare your own soul. (And maybe your will through Catholic Legacy; it's free from Relevant Radio)

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

&nbsp;
Let&rsquo;s talk about funerals...&nbsp;
In this beautiful, reverent, and eye-opening episode of The Inner Life, Patrick Conley sits down with&nbsp;Fr. Joseph Johnson, the rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota, to tackle something most of us would rather avoid: death... and more importantly, how we honor our dead as Catholics. You can listen to the entire episode <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/08/preparing-for-death-the-inner-life-august-14-2025/">here</a>.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="531" data-end="534">
🕯️ What a Funeral Mass Truly is
Fr. Johnson says:
<blockquote data-start="618" data-end="734">
"The funeral Mass is not a time for fishing stories."&nbsp;
</blockquote>
It&rsquo;s&nbsp;about worshiping God and entrusting the soul of the deceased to His infinite mercy. That&rsquo;s real hope. 🙏
So yes, grieve, remember, give thanks. But do it through the lens of faith, not like the pagans did it back in the day.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1016" data-end="1019">
Stop Canonizing People at Their Funerals
Fr. Johnson worries we've gotten way too comfy just assuming everyone&rsquo;s in heaven, tossing out the idea of purgatory, and turning funerals into canonization ceremonies.&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s not shortcut the reality that God is merciful and we still need to repent and be purified. The funeral Mass reminds us of that sacred tension.
<hr data-start="1484" data-end="1487">
✝️ Why Mass Intentions Matter... Even&nbsp;After Death
<blockquote data-start="1592" data-end="1623"></blockquote>
Father explains that if you&rsquo;re praying for someone after they&rsquo;ve passed, like having Masses offered for them, those prayers still matter. God can apply your prayers to moments&nbsp;before their death.&nbsp;
This includes helping with final repentance, softening hearts, and hastening purification. That&rsquo;s why praying for the dead is an act of love that never expires. 💌🕊️ Purgatory is&nbsp;God&rsquo;s final mercy, a place to finish becoming who you were meant to be.
<hr data-start="2474" data-end="2477">
For Our Loved Ones Nearing Death...
A caller named Nicole calls in, trying to help her elderly aunt and uncle prepare spiritually before they pass. She knows, from her own mom&rsquo;s death, that&nbsp;prayer matters. Assuming someone is &ldquo;ready&rdquo; isn't the same as actually being ready.
Fr. Johnson offers some pastoral gold:
-Pray that they&rsquo;re open to grace .
-Help them be sorry for sins, even the ones they don&rsquo;t fully remember.
-If they&rsquo;re stubborn? Ask: &ldquo;If God thinks this was a sin, would you be sorry?&rdquo; That counts!
-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially at the hour of death. Jesus made BIG promises for that prayer.&nbsp;
<hr data-start="3151" data-end="3154">
TL;DR: How to Truly Love the Dead 💜
-Have a Funeral Mass. Don&rsquo;t just &ldquo;celebrate life.&rdquo; Worship God.
-Offer Masses for their soul. Even years later.
-Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
-Don&rsquo;t canonize your loved ones. Love them enough to pray them all the way home.
-Talk about death and prepare your own soul. (And maybe your will through <a href="https://catholiclegacy.com/">Catholic Legacy</a>; it's free from Relevant Radio)
<hr data-start="3541" data-end="3544">
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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