After Physical Human Life

After Physical Human Life

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         Purgatory is a place that most of us will see after we die.  Unless we are completely pure, we cannot be admitted to Heaven.  There are different levels of purgatory.  We will experience the level of purgatory according to our own impurities.  No one should ever tell you that purgatory is not painful.  Your greatest consolation is that this is a temporary punishment for our sins and impurities versus Hell, which is eternal punishment for sin.

         As I just wrote, there are many levels of purgation that souls may need before final union with God.  Can we avoid purgatory?  That might be a little difficult to accomplish.  It all depends on when a soul makes a conscious decision to serve God and turn away from evil and all evil practices.  So who can go to Heaven you may ask?  The disciples asked the very same question.  Jesus answered his disciples in the following manner.  “With mankind it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

         God takes account of the whole person.  What I mean is, that God looks at every word, thought, and deed along with the intention of those words, thoughts, and deeds.  When we are judged, we are not judged against any human being.  We are judged on our total self versus the righteousness of God.  You will know where you stand in the instant you meet the sheep gate, namely Jesus Christ.  If He deems you worthy, He will allow you to pass to find good pasture.  If you die and must return to your body, He will show you the way.  After all, He is the Way.  If you tried to live a virtuous life, you will be in a place of light, peace, and serenity unequaled here on earth surrounded by the love of God.  As for being in perfect union with God, that may come later.  One exception to that rule was the Good Thief who was crucified with Jesus.

         Maybe now, you will understand why we say the following prayer for our deceased family members and all others.  “Eternal Rest, grant unto them Oh Lord and my perpetual life shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.  May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.  Amen.”

         Once you have attained the place of light in the afterlife, you are nearing full union with God.  Jesus with his fiery love will draw you closer and closer to Him.  It is a painful experience, but his fiery love will expunge all impurities from you.  Can we avoid some of the pain?  I think that we can by offering indulgenced prayers for the deceased and insuring that our future thoughts, words, and deeds may have proper intent.  We must also try to lead a sacramental life by frequenting confession and the sacrament of Holy Communion.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Laus Deo.  See you in Paradise.