Why We Pray for All Souls

In this homily, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on All Souls Day and the concept of the soul, drawing from Genesis and the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. He explains the soul as the breath of life breathed into humans by God, a principle that connects us to the immaterial and distinguishes us from animals. Bishop Barron discusses the tension between the body and soul, cautioning against over-spiritualizing as in Gnosticism and encourages listeners to pray for the souls of the departed, who may be in purgatory, undergoing purification before entering heaven. He emphasizes that these souls are not far away but accessible through prayer, urging listeners to remember and pray for their loved ones who have passed away.