Most of us have some who are related to us by blood still suffering in the Purgatorial fire, father or mother, brother or sister, some other kinsmen perhaps more closely connected with us. All these have a special claim upon us. They are bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. To neglect them is very cruel; as it would be to neglect those of our family, who are suffering on earth in some way we could easily relieve. Might I not do more for my relations who are still in need of my help?

We all shrink from unnatural cruelty: a son who neglects his mother in her need; a parent who leaves his child in misery. There is a sort of unnatural cruelty in neglecting those to whom we owe much, and whom God has in some way entrusted to us. They are now dependent on us, stretching out their hands for spiritual alms, for Masses, Prayers, Indulgences. I might so easily do more--why do I not do it?

We read in the parable of Dives how he dreaded the presence of his brethren in the place where he was in torments. This will also be the case in Purgatory. How bitter it will be to us to know that there are some closely united to us by blood, who are also there through our fault or neglect! If we had shown charity to them in this life, they might long ago have been in Heaven, praying for our deliverance. Instead of that, our Purgatory will be prolonged for our unkindness to them, and will be intensified by self-reproach. God will treat us as we have treated them. Think of your suffering relations and beware of neglecting them.