“That’s an invention, purgatory does not appear in the bible!”, these are arguments that we have heard from other Christians and that sometimes make us doubt. Is purgatory an invention or are there really biblical foundations for its existence? The Church since its
inception has promulgated the purification of souls through fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) since nothing tainted will enter the eternal city of heaven (Revelations 21:27).
Although the sacrament of reconciliation cleanses us from sins, this is a sacrament that consists of several parts: contrition, absolution and penance (CCC 1448), it is necessary to comply with penance in order to be completely free of the sins committed (CCC 1459). The Church teaches us that the souls of the purgatory, are souls who departed from this world in full charity with God, but who have not yet completed the penance for the sins committed (Council of Lyon II – 1274).
We can find references in the old testament about the purification of the sins of those who have already died being pious and the works that the living can do for the final sanctification of their souls (2 Maccabees 12:44-45), the tortuous wait and subsequent salvation (Micah 7:8-9), the final judgment and purification by fire (Isaiah 4:4).
Jesus Christ himself through the parable of Lazarus and the rich man explains to us that the souls that go to hell, cannot cross into heaven (Luke 16:25-26). So what does He tell us about purgatory? He also made reference to the final judgment and forgiveness of sins, in the Gospel of Saint Matthew we find His words: “Come to terms quickly with your opponent while you are on the way to court with him. If you fail to do so, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge will put you in the custody of the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Believe the truth of what I tell you: you will not be given your freedom until you have paid your debt down to the last penny” (Matthew 5:25-26). What kind of prison could He be referring to from which you can get out by serving the penance if it is not the purgatory?
Let us receive the sacrament of reconciliation often, repent of all our sins, faithfully carrying out penance so that we may share the glory with our Lord. Let us offer masses and works of mercy for the blessed souls in purgatory for their complete sanctification.