The doctrine of purgatory implies two truths. First, that after a mortal
sin is forgiven in the Sacrament of Penance, and the eternal punishment
due to it is remitted, there still remains some debt of temporal
punishment to pay, either in this life—by deeds of penance—or in the next
in purgatory. Second, even venial sins are a stain which prevent the soul
from entering into heaven. These stains, therefore, must first be wiped
off, if the soul is to enter the abode of all holiness. Now, purgatory is
the place where the souls predestined to eternal glory are detained for a
time, and this period is fixed by God’s justice for the purpose of
expiation and purification, until they are quite worthy of the everlasting
bliss prepared for them. Until the end of the world, until the last Day of
Judgment, there will be an intermediate place between heaven and hell.
Heaven is the place where only the just and holy are admitted. Hell is the
dungeon into whose depths are plunged the souls of the impious and
unrepenting. But purgatory lies between the two, and is meant to receive
for a time those souls of the just who will require some further
purification. And I am hurrying to one or the other place. Which shall it
be? Whichever it is it will be of my own making and choice. God is now
giving me time and opportunities sufficient to gain the one and avoid the
other. Let me reflect whither my course is leading me. Let me do it
now—to‐morrow may be too late. God has given me only one life in which to
accomplish my salvation. According to the eternal decree that life will
end at the appointed time.
Prayer.
Release, O Lord, etc., etc.
Sixth Day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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