Continuing with the exploration and reflection through a series of articles written in a conversational language about Catholicism, about God, about Jesus, about the Church and many other faith related topics. Here we present:
Question 36 – Is purgatory a punishment?
For Christians, the prospect of eternal life* is a source of hope, but sometimes it can seem a little too easy. People are all too aware of the fact that not everything in their lives has been for the best, that, more often than they like, they flew out of control and did things that they are not proud of. Does the transition to eternal life mean that all that negativity disappears like snow in the sun?
After centuries of praying* and thinking about this question, Catholic* Christians gradually grew to believe that there is such a thing as purgatory*. This is not so much a place. It is rather a state of transition between life here on earth and eternal life. It is not a punishment, but a period of mourning. It is a necessary experience of purification to fully open up the gateway to God’s love in heaven*.
You could compare it to breaking your leg. After removing the cast, you don’t immediately walk around freely and easily. You need to practice with your stiff leg first. This is not fun, but you know it makes you better. It’s like stepping out of the shade into the full sunlight, your eyes need time to get used to it. The same goes for purgatory.
– What helps you to feel ‘pure’ again when you have spun out of control?
– If you forgive someone yourself or are yourself forgiven by someone else, is that possible immediately or does it take time?
Watch this space! Coming up: Question 37 – What do humans do in the heaven?
Follow these links to go back to previous questions
If you wish to learn more about this resource follow this link “52 Questions and Answers about faith”
About the author:
Nikolaas Sintobin, SJ, joined the Society of Jesus in 1989, following a short career as a lawyer. He was trained as a Jesuit in Brussels, Paris, and Santiago de Chile. Today he is a spiritual director who is keenly interested in online ministry and discovering new ways to help people find God.
This text is republished with the permission of Messenger Publications, Ireland. To buy a hard copy of the book click here.
