On Purgatory, Go Deeper

[Michie]

Salvation is not a one-and-done event—for many, not even after death.​

To better understand purgatory, the question to ask is not, “Was Jesus’ one sacrifice sufficient to atone for our sins?” It was and is, specifically regarding the eternal punishment due our sins.

Rather, we should first ask, “In saving us, does Jesus require our cooperation, including our detaching from the bad habits associated with our already forgiven sins—unhealthy attachments to ourselves and other persons and things, whom and which we have valued more highly than God, so that we can be truly fit for eternal communion with the Lord?” (See Rev. 21:17.)

We should also ask whether Scripture supports such detachment from already forgiven sins—i.e., doing penance for those sins, and whether any such penance unresolved on earth must be completed after our lives here on earth.

Continued below.

On Purgatory, Go Deeper

Catholics recognize that Purgatory purifies the dead of venial sins. But what if there is more to this controversial doctrine than just that?

www.catholic.com

 

[fide]

Salvation is not a one-and-done event—for many, not even after death.​

To better understand purgatory, the question to ask is not, “Was Jesus’ one sacrifice sufficient to atone for our sins?” It was and is, specifically regarding the eternal punishment due our sins.

Rather, we should first ask, “In saving us, does Jesus require our cooperation, including our detaching from the bad habits associated with our already forgiven sins—unhealthy attachments to ourselves and other persons and things, whom and which we have valued more highly than God, so that we can be truly fit for eternal communion with the Lord?” (See Rev. 21:17.)

We should also ask whether Scripture supports such detachment from already forgiven sins—i.e., doing penance for those sins, and whether any such penance unresolved on earth must be completed after our lives here on earth.

Continued below.

On Purgatory, Go Deeper

Catholics recognize that Purgatory purifies the dead of venial sins. But what if there is more to this controversial doctrine than just that?

www.catholic.com

I am very happy to see this article here. I hope it is read and considered by many, many Catholics who, I'm troubled to sense and say, do not give evidence that they are really looking forward to leaving this earth and going to heaven. They seem to be truly enjoying their time on this earth, and would be somewhat like the kids in the back seat of the car who are really not so happy to be away from all their friends and instead on this vacation trip with their parents toward "fun and happy" holidays. It doesn't seem to be so much fun as the parents kept promising, so far anyway.

We pray, in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." At Mass, before the liturgy begins, I can't help but see so many Catholics there in the holy place - holy by the unique Real Presence of God in the Tabernacle - chatting away with their friends very busily, very intent on matters of the here and now. Are those Catholics yearning in their hearts for His will to be lived and loved here and now? Is that burning in their hearts? Are they saying, "Oh! to be on my face alongside the Elders around the Throne, as in the holy worship of God seen in the Book of Revelation:

"And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives for ever and ever,
the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,
"Worthy art thou, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou didst create all things, and by thy will they existed and were created." (Rev. 4:9-11)

"The Father seeks those who worship in Spirit and Truth," Jesus said to the woman by the well, the Samaritan.

"The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (Jn 4:23-24)

I see much, much love of this world in our churches, among our people, in our Bulletins, in our works, in our projects and concerns. I grieve to say, of many pastors, they are not with burning hearts shepherding the sheep toward the Father's will. If they're heading toward it, it seems many are taking "the scenic route" to get there.