God in Purgatory

[ClemtheCatholic]

Do we meet God in Purgatory on the same level as we would if we went straight to Heaven? We might not experience Him in the same way but I’m thinking simply about the meeting.

Thanks and God Bless,
ClemtheCatholic

 

[svid2]

My guess is that we experience the Divine presence during individual judgement, just before the descent into Purgatory. Then we feel the yearning for that presence while being purged. It’s part of the suffering.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Pope Benedict’s theological position describes Purgatory as an “encounter with” Christ. Here is what he wrote in his book Eschatology in the section on Purgatory:[Purgatory] is the inwardly necessary process of transformation in which a person becomes capable of Christ, capable of God and thus capable of unity with the whole communion of saints. … Encounter with the Lord is this transformation. (Joseph Ratzinger, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life, p. 230-231)

 

[paduard]

Pope Benedict’s theological position describes Purgatory as an “encounter with” Christ. Here is what he wrote in his book Eschatology in the section on Purgatory:[Purgatory] is the inwardly necessary process of transformation in which a person becomes capable of Christ, capable of God and thus capable of unity with the whole communion of saints. … Encounter with the Lord is this transformation. (Joseph Ratzinger, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life, p. 230-231)

Obviously I agree with what Cardinal Ratzinger said. However in technical terms the process whereby a soul in Purgatory proceeds into heaven is thrugh what is termed ‘the light of glory’.

The light of glory is the instrumental action that makes us capable of seeing God - which we must receive before passing into Heaven. [The Beatific Vision is the actual sight of God in Heaven ]

God Bless.

 

[Pugsly]

Do we meet God in Purgatory on the same level as we would if we went straight to Heaven? We might not experience Him in the same way but I’m thinking simply about the meeting.

Thanks and God Bless,
ClemtheCatholic

“Purgatory”…implies that you die…and are somehow judged worthy of God’s Eternal Mercy in Heaven…but must come to Him through the flames of His Justice. Hence, a burning away of impurity takes place…?

But does that make sense? You will either be subject to God’s Mercy or God’s wrath…how could God choose both?

To my knowledge…the Church has not spoken “from the chair” (infallibly) on Purgatory. And, for my part, I have a problem with being judged worthy of God’s Mercy…then being subjected to God’s burning Justice. (Although I would be all for it today if it is true!)
I know the teaching of the Church is based on a few verses…which are I also find at bit compelling.

However, maybe one of the Doctrine Angels that fly about this site will drop in and enlighten everyone.

 

[ClemtheCatholic]

Well the analogy I’ve always used is the following:

Person A steals a camera from Person B. A is sorry and asks for forgiveness. B forgives A. However, what still needs to be done? A needs to return the camera and give compensation.

So that’s how I’ve always thought about Purgatory…

 

[Pugsly]

Well the analogy I’ve always used is the following:

Person A steals a camera from Person B. A is sorry and asks for forgiveness. B forgives A. However, what still needs to be done? A needs to return the camera and give compensation.

So that’s how I’ve always thought about Purgatory…

Your analogy does not take into account the Perfection of God and how all our deeds are as filthy rags in comparison.

No, to get into Heaven by clothing ourselves in Christ Jesus…(“There is no judgement for those who are in Christ Jesus”)…then the Father of Justice asking His Son to suffer purgatory seems bizarre. However, if there really is a purgatory for “incomplete” sinners like me…then I would be for it today!

 

[draco_cupri]

“Purgatory”…implies that you die…and are somehow judged worthy of God’s Eternal Mercy in Heaven…but must come to Him through the flames of His Justice. Hence, a burning away of impurity takes place…?

But does that make sense? You will either be subject to God’s Mercy or God’s wrath…how could God choose both?

To my knowledge…the Church has not spoken “from the chair” (infallibly) on Purgatory. And, for my part, I have a problem with being judged worthy of God’s Mercy…then being subjected to God’s burning Justice. (Although I would be all for it today if it is true!)
I know the teaching of the Church is based on a few verses…which are I also find at bit compelling.

However, maybe one of the Doctrine Angels that fly about this site will drop in and enlighten everyone.

catholic-forum.com/saints/trent25.htm#1

Decree Concerning Purgatory

Since the Catholic Church, instructed by the Holy Ghost, has, following the sacred writings and the ancient tradition of the Fathers, taught in sacred councils and very recently in this ecumenical council that there is a purgatory,[1] and that the souls there detained are aided by the suffrages of the faithful and chiefly by the acceptable sacrifice of the altar, the holy council commands the bishops that they strive diligently to the end that the sound doctrine of purgatory, transmitted by the Fathers and sacred councils,[2] be believed and maintained by the faithful of Christ, and be everywhere taught and preached.