Purgatory

[benjie]

Hi-I have been told that it is better to live out our Purgatory on earth-therefore lessening real Purgatory after death-my question is how bad do you have to make it for yourself-how far do you go-how miserable do you have to be-how much must you cry-how often can you not contemplate suicide as its a mortal sin-is impending insanity the only way-it doesnt seems a good advert when, asked why im so sad and down, my answer is" because im Catholic" people talk of inner peace, of joy at finding Jesus-of offering up your pain for the conversion of sinners.Daily prayers bring further persecutions-even this post brings the guilt of “not carrying your cross”-so confused.

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

living out your vocation daily is the best way to reduce your purgatory.

Don’t worry about purgatory. Just know, love and serve God.

Being Catholic is a joyful thing! Say Jesus, I trust in You at the top of every hour.

God doesn’t want you to suffer so. Take care of yourself–see a doctor for depression.

 

[benjie]

Theresa-thanks for your reply-I wish i knew what my vocation was-I pray for enlightenment on that subject but am no closer-Doctors are out of the question in the situation im in-depression is not something to be talked about let alone treated-if i think that it is through divine providence that im here-they must want me to suffer like a dog-St Bernadette was told by our Mother that she couldnt gaurentee happiness in this world, only the next-but she was amazing-my peers say that we should apreciate these times as its going to get much worse-warning/chastisment/persecution/nuclear war-where do you find the strength to go on?

 

[DailyBread]

Benjie, your vocation is where God has placed you now whether that is work, or school, or something else. I have never suffered serious depression, but having friends and family members that have, I think the best thing is to discover how you can be generous in your everyday life to others and avoid just thinking about yourself (not saying you are selfish or greedy, just that many depressed people think about their tough situation a lot!). Christ said the only way to discover yourself is lose yourself, to place others ahead of you. When you can take ordinary moments of your life either taking care of family members or friends who are sick, doing little things to show you notice or care, offering up work at your job or school for a sick friend or family member, doing an extra chore around the house, saying daily prayers or talking to God (even when you feel like you are getting nothing out of it). But placing your thoughts towards serving those around you in little ordinary things, but with great love as you are serving Jesus too, you will find joy even in the midst of stress and sorrow. Helping others can make us feel good about ourselves even if it is as small as giving a smile. Learn to sanctify the ordinary works in your life and offer them to God. I suggest you pray to St Josemaria Escriva the founder of Opus Dei and read his book, Christ is passing By. Saints aren’t necessarily people who do amazing things, mainly who do little things amazingly and it all adds up like patches to form a giant quilt. Don’t worry about purgatory, it will be like a passing wind compared to heaven which is for eternity. I will pray for you and you keep me in your prayers. If you need someone to talk to more, you can email me at tjensen02@yahoo.com. God Bless!

A brother in Jesus Christ,
Tom Jensen