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Lesson Details
Last Notes on the Last Things
Date
Nov. 26, 2018
Additional Info
Purgatory: state of purgation (purification) for those who die in God's friendship but still have the stains of venial sins on their souls
Purpose: to get the soul ready to enter into the full presence of God
Joy: The souls in Purgatory are joyful because they experience love of God and are assured of their salvation in Christ.
Suffering: The souls in purgatory suffer because they are being purified of their sins and they long to be closer to God, but this suffering is nothing like the suffering of the damned
We pray for the dead: because if they are in purgatory, our prayers can help their purification process
Is Purgatory in the Bible? The word, like -Trinity" is not, but the concept is
2 Maccabees 12:38-45--Jews prayed that the dead would be delivered from sin
Luke 12:42-48 How much would you like to be beaten?
Apocalyptic Literature: Uses symbolic imagery to give hope to those undergoing trials
Context: Late first Century, after the Roman Empire put down a Jewish rebellion by destroying the Jerusalem Temple and exiling most of the population
Roman Empire frequently persecuted Christians
'Heavenly Liturgy' is frequently depicted. Shows the connection between worship of God on Earth and in Heaven
Lamb that was Slain = The Resurrected Christ
Not meant as a literal description of the end times but a metaphorical contemplation
Message: God in Christ will triumph over evil, so stay faithful during your trials
In Pope Benedict's 2nd Encyclical, Spe Salvi, he talks about what 'eternal life' means
Fear: wouldn't it be repetitive?
Eternal does NOT equal 'an unending succession of days'
More like: 'the supreme moment of satisfaction' and 'plunging into the ocean of infinite love'
'Time, before and after, no longer exists'