Fr. Fr. Z
We live in a time where the reality of hell is often either ignored or flatly denied. Our society – and our pulpits (both Catholic and Protestant) have become places where Universalism (the teaching that everyone goes to heaven) reigns. It is seen as “pastoral” to comfort the grieving by telling them that their deceased loved one is in paradise, and only a cruel or heartless preacher would dare to remind people that the dead need our prayers. And God forbid that you might raise the specter of Hell as a possible outcome of a life lived in defiance of God’s commandments.
Hell, friends, is real. It is possible to wind up there.
Church teaching has not changed. The Church still teaches, and has consistently taught, that the sure path to salvation is found in the Church that Christ Himself founded. One stays on that path by being humbly obedient to the authority of that same Church.
Those who place themselves outside of the authority of the Church do not have that surety of being on the right path.
Want to avoid Hell? Stick close to the Catholic Church, frequent the sacraments, believe her teachings, practice works of mercy, and reform your life.
4 comments:
I wonder how Pope Francis would answer that question? I wonder if God will make an exception to the poor souls instructed in the Faith after 1970 when all the catechisms were changed and church teaching omitted, they were and are all about being part of a team, community and love, love, love. There is a hell & a Purgatory but when's the last time anyone has heard mention of them. Funerals are now a Celebration of life, no where is there mention to pray for the poor soul. I hate to sound selfish but a nun once taught us that are greatest responsibility was our own sould and keeping them out of hell. I agree with Fr. About the devotion of Divine Mercy which frees all sould from Purgatory, a place just like hell only with the knowledge you will get out and see God in Heaven IF someone prays and does penance for you...
Good post, thank you...
And here a reflection of Thomas a Kempis
"IN ALL things consider the end; how you shall stand before the strict Judge from Whom nothing is hidden and Who will pronounce judgment in all justice, accepting neither bribes nor excuses. And you, miserable and wretched sinner, who fear even the countenance of an angry man, what answer will you make to the God Who knows all your sins? Why do you not provide for yourself against the day of judgment when no man can be excused or defended by another because each will have enough to do to answer for himself? In this life your work is profitable, your tears acceptable, your sighs audible, your sorrow satisfying and purifying."
Please, please: Purgatory is *not* a place just like Hell but for the knowledge one can get out and see God. It is altogether different from Hell because while souls cannot behold God, they are in fact in union with God even in Purgatory.
Pray tell Annoymous what does in Union with God mean?
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