Those who die in God’s love and friendship with the new life of sanctifying grace are saved. Nevertheless, if at the time of their death they still require further purification they enter Purgatory, which is like an anti-room to heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to the final purification of the elect. Purgatory is entirely different from the punishment of those who have been condemned. The Church in her councils has taught this doctrine on Purgatory. The Councils expressed the long Tradition of the Church and the teaching of important texts of Scripture where we read of a cleansing fire (Cor. 3:15, 1Pt 1:7).
This teaching on Purgatory is also based on the Church’s teaching that we should pray for the dead. Even in the Old Testament we read, “Therefore Judas Maccabeus made atonement for the dead that, they might be delivered from their sin” (2 (Macc.12:46). From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them, above all the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Thus purified, those whom we love may enter quickly into the happiness of union with God. We can also help them through our almsgiving, and our works of penance for them, and any indulgences we may gain on their behalf. St John Chrysostom says: “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.
Hell
We cannot be united with God with his grace unless we freely choose to love him. But grace and our love for God are lost if we commit serious sin. “He who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (Jn.3:14-15). Our Lord warns us that we shall be separated from him if we fail to meet the serious needs of the poor and little ones who are his brothers and sisters. To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love means we have chosen to remain separated from him forever. This state of definitive self-exclusion from eternal union with God is called hell,
Jesus often speaks of Gehenna, of the unquenchable fire reserved for those who refused to believe and be converted. Jesus solemnly proclaims that he will send his Angels, and they will gather all evil doers and throw them into the furnace of fire (Mt. 25:41).
The Church Affirms the Existence of Hell
The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die turned away from God, in a state of mortal sin, begin to suffer the eternal punishments of hell. The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone we can possess the life and happiness for which we were created. The words in the Bible and the teachings of the Church on hell are a wake-up-call. With God’s grace we have to make good use of our freedom if we are to be saved. The words of Christ are an urgent call to conversion. Enter by the narrow gate: for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter it are many. But the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Mt.7:13-14).
Since we do not know the day or the hour, we should follow the advice of our Lord, and be on watch constantly. Then when the course of our earthly life is completed, we may be received by him into his marriage feast and be numbered among the blessed. We pray that we will not be like the wicked and slothful servants who were ordered to depart into the eternal fire, into the outer darkness where men will weep and gnash their teeth.
God predestines no one to hell. Those who are lost are those who deliberately turn away from God by mortal sin, and refuse to repent. In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want anyone to perish, but wants all of us to come to repentance (2Pt. 3:4).
Father, accept this offering from your whole family. Grant us your peace in this life, save us from final damnation, and count us among those you have chosen. (From the Mass)
