Purgatory is often misunderstood as a lesser hell, but it is better understood as a merciful process by which souls are purified and made whole. The Homily explains this using everyday images and C.S. Lewis’s analogy to show that God’s love heals and prepares us for full communion with Him.

It also emphasizes the role of the Church, the Mass, and our prayers—how they participate in God’s loving work to lift and unite souls—offering comfort and hope that one day we will be completely ourselves in God’s presence.