I like the idea of Purgatory.
The Pope believes in it too.
Don't listen to those who say he doesn't.
As I examine my conscience and look over my life, I see how necessary purgatory is. It is certainly nothing to fear, since the soul knows he is saved and loved. It seems to me the souls would desire this purgation with great love. I don't know.
I pray for the souls in purgatory nonetheless, since the Church asks us to do so, that no one may suffer alone or without compassion.
"Nothing unclean enters heaven" according to St. Paul - I believe that too. When I reflect on my failures, sins, etc, that scripture passage always comes to mind. It comes as a reminder to strive to do better because the Lord of Life is beautiful and pure beyond all imagining and nothing can come before him that is unclean, unworthy.
ReplyDeleteRemember the invited guest who was not dressed appropriately for the wedding feast? He was tossed out into Gehenna. Heaven forbid that should happen to me! The consolation is that of Purgatory, to be made whole, refined, renewed in the fire of his love.
Granted, I know my goal should be heaven but I'm too muddied up to go straight there. ^^
It's clear Francis doesn't believe in it. He has clearly stated that he believes that after death the good go to heaven, and those who are not good disappear into nothing. He's said it and there are records of his saying it. Why is it that you do not take Francis at his word?
ReplyDelete"It's clear Francis doesn't believe in it"
DeleteIt is? Where? How? When?
Quote your sources and some of us might be inclined to give you a bit more credibility.
Aloysius - I posted on that - anyway - I don't believe that story - Scalfari repeated it - he does this stuff from memory, without taking notes, and he interprets according to his own modality.
DeleteYaya - he's most likely referring to a Lifesite article from Sandro Magister who sifts through things the pope has left out in homilies to compare and substantiate what Scalfari said. If Francis didn't believe in hell he wouldn't warn people so often about the devil and the diabolical. It's absurd.
Oh I agree wholeheartedly with you Terry. I don't believe for a moment Papa Francis would deny what the Church has always taught regarding heaven, purgatory, hell.
DeleteWith regards to sm, I never read his stuff anymore, can't stomach his obvious disdain for our Holy Father. He does nothing to build up the faith whatsoever.
You said the key word: Lifesite. Consider the source...
ReplyDeleteMy favourite image of Purgatory after a lifetime of being beaten up and beating others because of sin...
ReplyDeleteBut a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denari and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him” he said, “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” (Luke 10 : 31-36)
A beautiful and very consoling image indeed. Thanks for it.
DeleteBG - that is the most beautiful thing you have ever written here. I never, ever thought of it in those terms. Thanks for adding that. It's absolutely lovely and consoling to think of it in that way. Mercy animates your soul!
DeleteMy little Therese tells us not to aim for Purgatory but for Heaven. However, it's good to know it's there. Which makes me think that Life isn't fair but Death is.
ReplyDeleteI know Protestants who take great issue with the whole subject of pergatory. Especially the idea of praying for souls there. I just do not understand their strong objections. All they will say is it is not bible based. I rather like it myself. It makes sense to me. I doubt I will get right in, so the waiting room is just fine with me. Certainly better then the alternate! The Good Samaritan parable fits so well. It is such a beautiful story. Thank you bg for using it on this topic.
ReplyDelete"pergatory"
DeleteWah?? Are you meaning Pergo as in the famous flooring? Or Perg, as in the lovely city in Austria? If we end up in Purgatory dear WH, may we be found praying on our knees on Pergo flooring in a surrounding much like Perg, Austria only holier. ^^)
Bless you YaYa. You keep me laughing.
ReplyDeleteI want to be a saint! I really do! But I’m nowhere close. Yet the incredible consolation of the Sacrament of Confession takes away fear.
ReplyDelete