Since we believe in Purgatory and agree this is where one is cleaned up from the effects of sin.Do the Catholics believe that God can deliver down judgement on the living for their past sins?Even if one repented for the sin?
Even after you have repented, yes, if you have not done sufficient penance for the sin.
The examples of this in scripture are many. King David, for example, after repenting his sin, was forgiven by God but still punished. The Israelites provide examples plenty of this, forgiven but punished for justice’s sake and their own.
God punishes for people’s own good, and for the great good of His justice. When we love God we embrace the hand that delivers both hurt and caress.
All the world is in the hands of God’s Providence which guides both disasters, plagues, and punishments, as well as consolations, reliefs, and helps.
‘Happy indeed the man whom God corrects! So do not refuse this lesson from the Omnipotent: for He who wounds is He who soothes the sore, and the hand that hurts is the hand that heals.’
Job 5:17-18
‘Thank and sweetly kiss the hand of God that strikes you, because it is always the hand of a Father who strikes you because He loves you.’
St. Padre Pio
‘Every time that some unexpected event befalls us, be it affliction, or be it spiritual or corporal consolation, we should endeavor to receive it with equanimity of spirit, since all comes from the hand of God.’
St. Vincent de Paul