Revolution of Love.com
Purgatory: The Church Suffering
by Brian
Today like many truths of our faith, Purgatory tends to be downplayed and even ignored. In my opinion it has almost been forgotten outside of All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd, and apologetical circles that discuss Purgatory to defend Catholic doctrine. Why does it receive so little attention?
I think one reason is because many Catholics have unfortunately been misguided into thinking that everyone who leads a "good life" will make it to Heaven. The problem with this is that you have to define what it means to lead a "good life". More importantly I believe poor catechetics and a severe shortage of preaching on Purgatory is the main culprit behind so many Catholics denying its existence.
I see Purgatory as a sign of God's mercy and love. Some would respond to this by asking why would a good God, a God of love, create Purgatory in which one's soul is purified before entering Heaven? Because, as Rev. 21:27 states, "nothing unclean will enter (Heaven)". Therefore, if the only souls who can enter Heaven are those that are perfect, then what about us who are imperfect yet have died in the friendship of God? This is why Purgatory makes perfect sense. It allows those of us who are imperfect, through purification, to enter Heaven. Otherwise the only alternative would be Hell.
There is a lot of misunderstanding among Catholics about Purgatory as though it was a medieval invention. It is true that the doctrine of Purgatory was formulated at the Councils of Florence (1439) and Trent (1563), but this in no way means that the Church denied or never acknowledged its existence prior to the 15th century. On the contrary, three biblical passages testify to this: 2 Maccabees 12:44-46, 1Cor. 3:15 and Rev. 21:27. There are also the inscriptions found in the catacombs that asked fellow Catholics to pray for those who died. Lastly, there are writings from the Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom who wrote: "Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them."
Since the souls in Purgatory cannot help themselves, they are totally dependent on us. Through our prayers and sacrifices we can make atonement for their sins, which they did not expiate while on earth. By doing this, we can help set them free from Purgatory.
It is extremely important to remind Catholics that our brothers and sisters in Purgatory are in need of our prayers and sacrifices. Let's pray each day for these souls who are destined for Heaven and I am sure they will pray for us in return.