Suffering, yes, forgiveness, no.
Sorry ... it would be nice but Luke 16 pretty much says, "Get it now while you can because after this ... there ain't no way"
Every point and scripture you cited (I only read three), was followed with an opinion offered by an organization that denied the scripture cited.
When you swipe your card in WalMart and the machine asks "Is $257.98 OK?", you have only two choices and you KNOW if you push "NO", all the time shopping has been for nothing ... so you push "YES" without the obvious response ...
Is $257.98 OK ?
How would I know
Most people are too lazy to actually do the calculator thing while shopping so we trust 'the authority' of the machine.
Back in the 60's there was a bumper sticker that said, "Question Authority"
It's really not a subversive thought nor act.
Isaiah wrote, "Come, let us reason together .."
knarf,
when attempting to pick apart a scriptural dissertation, your best bet is likely to involve point-by-point matters of context and interpretation, rather than “your every point is false.” These aren’t my points, regardless. They belong to a website, to whom I gave proper credit. But more importantly, they belong to the Church.
Regarding Luke, chapter 16, you may want to read some good Bible commentary. Try Catena Aurea.
If you read but three of all those scriptural citations, you skimmed, and in honesty, defeated any chance of gaining understanding. My intent was to give you, and others, a scriptural foundation for why we pray for the poor souls in Purgatory. This does not mean that I expect you to necessarily agree, only that I wished to convey information, in hopes of openmindedness.
While I get the general gist of your analogy, please remember, since I have five kids, 257.98 might very well be our groceries. ;)
Seriously, I do question authority, in the proper setting. However, the authority we’re currently talking about was given by the second person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ. His authority I’ll happily take any day, and gladly die for, if He so desires. I am far from perfect. But no matter whether you agree with me or disagree with me, one thing remains: I am His, and will always strive to be so. Question governments, newspapers, people on the street? Sure, and I will be right there with you, and give my utmost support. Totally, and literally. The line stops with Him, though. I am not fit to question Him.