PURGATORY... The word purgatory comes from a Latin word PURGATORIUM meaning a place for purification. According to the doctrine of the Catholic Church; Purgatory is an intermediate state after physical death in which souls destined for heaven are purified so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Holy Bible does not really mention the exact word Purgatory but instead it makes reference to a place which can be understood as what is referred to as purgatory. The first mention of purgatory in the bible is in 2Maccabees 12:45 Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be Fred from sin. Most of our Protestant brethren who believed in a theology I call SOLO SCRIPTURA meaning Bible Alone do not accept Maccabees as a book of the bible. This is unfortunate and even if a person does not accept the book of Maccabees,it at least has historical value for we can learn what the pre-christian community believed. In chapter 12 of Second Maccabees we read the Scriptural proof for purgatory and evidence that the Jews had sacrifices offered for those of their brethren who had lost their lives in battle. Judas Maccabees encouraged the people to pray for the dead showing that in a place where they could be helped(which the Catholic Church now call Purgatory), and that their prayers could help them in that place. This is also related related to Catholic doctrine of the communion of the saints. Now coming to the New testament; In Mathew 5:26 and Luke 12:59, Christ condemned sin spoke of liberation only after expiation.Amen I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. Now we know that no last penny needs to be paid in heaven and in hell there is no liberation at all, hence the reference must apply to a third place, a place for purification. Again, in Mathew 12:32 Jesus speaks of sin against the Holy Spirit This means that some sins can be forgiven in the world to come and we also know there is no liberation in Hell and nothing imperfect can enter Heaven (Rev12:27) therefore giving evidence that there is a place of purification called purgatory. Remember Purgatory is not a place for second chance of conversion for there is no repentance after death rather it is a place of purification for the soul of a righteous man who was denied Heaven due to some venial sin. Also, Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1Cor 3:13-15) he told them that when we are judged, each mans work will be tried and for a righteous Man whose works failed the test, Paul says He will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire (1Cor 3:15). Now my question is where do you think this penalty or loss will be paid? it cant be in hell for no one will be saved there and certainly not in heaven, so there is truly a place for purification. The Catholic Church enjoins us to pray for the deceased members of our community, our friends, family members etc so that the perpetual light of Christ will sine upon them and have mercy on them and admit them into the beatific vision. November 2nd every year is a day set aside for the dead. It is a day we are called upon to pray for our departed brethren asking God to forgive them their sins. We are encouraged to attend three Holy Masses, visit the cemetery or even visit the chapel and say some ejaculatory prayers for our departed brethren, a plenary indulgence is also attached to these activities. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen. Written by: Aniebo Anthony
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 23:15:52 +0000
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