Purgatory’s Two Great Sufferings

Source: Fr. Mark Goring via YouTube

Fr. Mark Goring discusses the state of Purgatory as outlined by mystic and doctor of the Catholic Church, St. Teresa of Avila. He draws on the differences of a soul being in heaven or undergoing a process of purgation, of perfection of the soul in Purgatory. He says that we should allow God to purify our souls through sanctifying grace in this life, as the scriptures say “nothing unclean can enter the kingdom of heaven” [Revelation 21:27]. Fr. Mark says it is a pity that so few even care about purgatory, recounting the words of Jesus who said that “wide and easy is the road that leads to destruction” [Matthew 7:13], and most people are taking that road.

Other references to purgation: Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29; 2 Maccabees 12:46. Plus visions of St. Padre Pio and St. Fuastina Kowalska.

Header image: Mary before the window of “Souls in Purgatory”, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico by Steve Grundy via flickr.com

External link: catholicstrength.com

Historically, it is quite clear that the early Christians believed in a state of purification after death. We know, for example, that the Christians living in the catacombs in Rome inscribed prayers for the dead on the walls. In addition, prayers for the dead are contained in some of the earliest Christian writings.* The key proof text in scripture is 2 Maccabees 12:46, which states: “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.”