Straight Answers: What Is Purgatory Like?

For a couple of weeks now, you have discussed Purgatory. Do we know what happens in Purgatory? I was at the Franciscan Monastery and in the catacomb area they have a chapel for the poor souls in Purgatory which shows them in fire. Is this true of Purgatory? — A reader in Washington

What does this purification entail? Like Hell, there is the pain of loss and the pain of sense: however, the severity of these pains between Hell and Purgatory is vastly different. The pain of loss for those in Purgatory is the temporary deprivation of the Beatific Vision. Each of us longs to be with God, see Him, and be enwrapped in His love. The Apostolic Constitution Benedictus Deus (1336) promulgated by Pope Benedict XII, defined that the souls of the just "...see the divine essence with an intuitive vision and even face to face, without the mediation of any creature by way of object of vision; rather, the divine essence immediately manifests itself to them, plainly, clearly, and openly, and in this vision they enjoy the divine essence." Therefore, the souls in Purgatory long for this vision. That longing and deprivation is what torments their soul.

The pain of sense involves some sensible suffering. While not defined, traditionally this pain of sense has involved some purifying fire, which causes torment. In the Book of the Prophet Zechariah, the Lord spoke, "I will bring the one third through fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and I will test them as gold is tested" (13:9); the School of Rabbi Shammai interpreted this passage as a purification of the soul through God's mercy and goodness, preparing it for eternal life. A similar passage is found in the Book of Wisdom (3:1-9): "The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. ...Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, He proved them, and as sacrificial offerings He took them to Himself."

Think of this image of "fire tried" gold or silver. When these precious metals are mined from the earth, other minerals or rocks accompany them. By fire, these impurities are separated, and the pure gold or silver remains. In the same sense, a soul containing the impurities of venial sin or hurts caused by sin will first be purified, i.e. "fire tried." Perhaps a more modern version would be the idea of radiation therapy "burning" out the cancer cells; while such therapy is very painful, one has the hope of returning to good health.

In a more positive light, St. Francis de Sales wrote of the sufferings of Purgatory, but as they are mitigated by the consolations which accompany them: "We may draw from the thought of Purgatory more consolation than apprehension. The greater part of those who dread Purgatory so much think more of their own interests than of the interests of God’s glory; this proceeds from the fact that they think only of the sufferings without considering the peace and happiness which are there enjoyed by the holy souls. It is true that the torments are so great that the most acute sufferings of this life bear no comparison to them; but the interior satisfaction which is there enjoyed is such that no prosperity nor contentment upon earth can equal it. The souls are in a continual union with God." (Espirit de St. Francois de Sales, IX, p. 16, quoted in Purgatory by Rev. F. X. Shouppe, S.J.)

Similarly, in Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II related God's "living flame of Love" spoken of by St. John of the Cross with the doctrine of Purgatory: "The 'living flame of love,' of which St. John speaks, is above all a purifying fire. The mystical nights described by this great Doctor of the Church on the basis of his own experience corresponds, in a certain sense, to Purgatory. God makes man pass through such an interior purgatory of his sensual and spiritual nature in order to bring him into union with Himself. Here we do not find ourselves before a mere tribunal. We present ourselves before the power of love itself. Before all else, it is Love that judges. God, who is Love, judges through love. It is love that demands purification, before man can be made ready for that union with God which is his ultimate vocation and destiny."

Therefore, once again, we are left with a very positive image of Purgatory. Nevertheless, the old pictures of the suffering souls in the fires of Purgatory should motivate us now to regularly examine our conscience, go to confession, and do penance. We need the graces that come forth through prayer and especially the Holy Eucharist. We must strive for holiness now and keep a strong and close union to the Lord. Such an attitude and such practices will be the best preparation for when we leave this world and have to account for our lives before our Lord.

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Let's look for purgatory then. Please read Matthew 18 with me:

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a king, who would take an account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to take the account, one was brought to him, that owed him ten thousand talents.
25 And as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 But that servant falling down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go and forgave him the debt.
28 But when that servant was gone out, he found one of his fellow servants that owed him an hundred pence: and laying hold of him, throttled him, saying: Pay what thou owest.
29 And his fellow servant falling down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he paid the debt.
31 Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came and told their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord called him; and said to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all the debt, because thou besoughtest me:
33 Shouldst not thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow servant, even as I had compassion on thee? 34 And his lord being angry, delivered him to the torturers until he paid all the debt.
35 So also shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

What do you make of the following:

The punishment in v. 25 is different than the punishment in v. 34 in that the former is slavery and the other is torture till the debt is paid
Also, the punishment in v. 25 applies to the family as well, but the punishment in v. 34 does not.
The amount is very large, yet the payment is possible according to vv. 25, 26, 34.
The debtor is not made work in 34, but rather delivered to torturers. How is the torture contributing to the payment of debt?
In v.24 the servant is "brought", in v. 27 he is "let go", in v.32 he is "called", and in v. 34 we anticipate his future release. What stages of life or events are described in the parable?
In your opinion, is the pardon of v. 27 in force throughout the parable?

To those endorsing a works salvation:

For by GRACE are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:NOT of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph. 2:8,9

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Gal 2:20,21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

It is by grace, and by grace alone, that God saves us. Not a single work done by our sinful flesh can help atone for our sins. In response to previous criticism, yes, a Christian should do good works, but it is out of a love for God and in response to God's great grace in reaching down in saving a worthless, wretched, sinful, wicked soul. It is only through God's strength that we do His work, and we must rely on Him totally. The works of our flesh contribute NOTHING to our salvation. It is purely faith in Christ's death on the cross for our sins. In gratitude, we will desire to serve God and dedicate our lives to His work.

1 Pet. 1:18, 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Rom. 5:8,9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

The Church teaches that we are saved by faith in Christ formed by works of charity. We are not saved by a mere declaration of faith. We are likewise not saved by works of law, Jewish or otherwise (the collection of quotes you posted shows that), but by works of love. You can open any New Testament book virtually at random and find a confirming quote. Christ urges us to have faith, and He urges us to obey His commandments, forgive sins, love one another. To obey, forgive and love is works. Do you disagree?

I do disagree. Works are an outgrowth and demonstration of our faith, but faith alone saves.

Rom. 3
19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Rom. 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

There is no good in our flesh. Only by God working through us can we even have the ability to do good works. God WILL NOT accept our good works in payment for salvation.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom. 6:23)

It is a gift offered freely, and we will but choose to accept it.

Rom. 10
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

No mention of works contributing to your salvation here.

These quotes show that the works of the law do not save. I agree.

Are you familiar with Jesus asking us to obey His commandments in order to be saved?

Are you familiar with Jesus asking us to forgive one another in order to be saved?

Are you familiar with St. Paul admonishing us to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling"? Likening a Christian life to a battle or a race?

If you have a difficulty finding scriptural referenses to the above, let me know.

Also, what does any of this have to do with the doctrine of Purgatory?

"Are you familiar with Jesus asking us to obey His commandments in order to be saved?

Are you familiar with Jesus asking us to forgive one another in order to be saved?"

Jesus did ask these things, but He did not say that they bring salvation.

"Are you familiar with St. Paul admonishing us to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling"? Likening a Christian life to a battle or a race?"

I respond with Phil. 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Living the Christian life is a battle. We must strive to maintain a right relationship with God, but we are saved once and for all the moment we believe.

"Also, what does any of this have to do with the doctrine of Purgatory?"

I was responding to some criticism given to my previous post pointing out that Purgatory is not found in the Bible. A belief in Purgatory tends to go along with the belief that you need to do enough good works in order to get into heaven.

Jesus did ask these things, but He did not say that they bring salvation

In fact, Christ said to the rich man that we have to obey the commandments and do the work of charity in order to "have everlasting life". Matthew 19:

16 And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?
17 Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness.
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith to him: All these I have kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me?
21 Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.

Living the Christian life is a battle.

Yes, and you are good to quote Phil 2:13, because indeed, all good works we do are possible because of Divine Grace. "With God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26).

we are saved once and for all the moment we believe

No, that is not in the scripture; the opposite is. "And why call you me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say?" (Lk 6:46). Why fear and tremble (Phil 2:12) if you are already saved by a declaration of faith?

A belief in Purgatory tends to go along with the belief that you need to do enough good works in order to get into heaven

Not really. Purgatory has nothing to do with works of any kind, other than, of course, if you die a saint you will not go through purgatory. Both are Catholic doctrine, but there is no direct connection.

I'll be back tomorrow, and we'll chat some more. Thank you for your questions.

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