The hardest thing at times, when being motivated to do the right and even virtuous thing, is believing that something good actually happens. When we offer a sacrifice or prayer for the salvation of souls, wouldn’t it be neat if we could actually see the person whose soul we just helped snatch from the eternal fires of hell? And when we struggle hard and conquer a temptation, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see the smile that that brings to Jesus and Mary’s faces?

It is understandably easier to suffer for purposes and people that we can see, than for those we simply believe need our help. To work for a goal we cannot see in this life requires courage and faith: faith in God, that He does use our sufferings and prayers for a positive difference; and the courage to persevere in and act upon this faith.

And so, in His understanding mercy and to encourage this faith - God does, from time to time, permit people to see the real effect they make… even in the spiritual world.

One simple, yet extraordinary example of this happened in Vienna, Austria, in the year 1634. As is taught by the Church, and illustrated in the Lives of the Saints, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is one of the most powerful and effective means for aiding the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

Well, one day, a Jesuit priest received an apparition. Before him stood three souls - each from Purgatory, and all with a single message of thanks. But with their gratitude, came also an interesting detail. The Holy Souls told the Jesuit, that for his whole life, they had known he would free them from the pains of Purgatory. How? Many years ago, one special day, the three guardian Angels of the suffering souls had brought to them the comforting news that their future deliverer had just been born.

Imagine what news travels through the Holy Angels when, in an age of selfishness and impiety, you generously and faithfully offer to God and Our Lady your prayers, sacrifices and good works! Whether they be for the salvation of souls, the Poor Souls in Purgatory, or in reparation for the sins committed against Our Lord and Our Lady - you can be sure that your labors will be repaid a hundred-fold. Even now as you live, Jesus and Mary will do great good with what you give Them. Even though you may not see it in this life, if you are faithful, you can be sure that the reward will be that much greater in the next life!