Forever shall I seek the Lord; As he is eternal so I shall also become:

Forever shall I seek the Lord; As he is eternal so I shall also become:

A statement that should not be confusing but as we look at the world we’ve all inherited the question will ring clearly; “What has happened to what God created?”

Can we surmise that man has changed so much that the understanding of the finiteness of man has somehow become a test of faith that itself seems lost in the quest for anything that is not of God?

Of course it is easy to assume that only certain portions of humanity have fallen away from their catechetical instructions (depending upon the age of many who still believe in faith) and do not have a connection to Christ any more.  As many will adhere to the Passion Christ went through for our very sanctity there unfortunately are more who have made the choice to look upon holiness as a made-up word to sell ideas that sell books and make money for unbelievers.

The very thought of Life’s end; Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, the knowledge or where any of us will end up has created more doubts regarding the destination of our souls.  Listening to different people who propose to be Christian but pick and choose their own thoughts of each place and make one think they have the answers to a reality of life after death.

For many the thought of purgatory has placed a realm of punishment that God could not have created such a place.  One priest I know is very adamant and preaches against its existence.  THe problem here is his personal opinion and keeps the Catechism directive on this away from parishioners.  I have heard the even theologians may disagree with one another on specific issues but purgatory is an established teaching:  

All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation;  but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.  (CCC 1030).

This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore Judas Maccabeus made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.”  (2 Mac 12: 46).  From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Euchristic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, that may attain the beatific vision of God.  The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:  (CCC 1032).

Let us help and commemorate them.  If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation?  Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.  (St. John Chrysotom).

Perhaps the one truth that we should portray to those who have a difficult time accepting purgatory is it is the blessed manner that God gives all of us the opportunity to enter into eternity cleansed of any impediment that would keep us from his beatific vision for all eternity.  The truth being that without the removal of even the slightest mark of imperfection a soul could never even want to stand before Almighty God dressed with unclean clothes.  

He said to them, “My friend, how is it that toy came in here without a wedding garment?  But he was reduced to silence.  THen he said to his attendants, “Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”  Many are invited, but few are chosen.”  (Mt 22: 12 - 14).  Purgatory will be the manner of clothing for the marriage of Christ to his Church as a present to his Father.

Ralph B. Hathaway