Purgatory

It’s interesting to me that two of my older blog posts which I have written are trending these days: “Embrace The Suck” and “Angry Tears”. I hope that they are helpful, in some way.

Purgatory. I’m not a Catholic, so I had to look it up. Purgatory comes from a Latin word which means “to cleanse”. (also the word “purge” comes from this root) Purgatory is thought to be that place between Heaven and Hell, where sinners go to get punished for, and yet also cleansed and released of their sins. I understand that Purgatory is believed to be the place where sinners go, where there is still hope for their redemption. It is thought to be the place where sinners are scrubbed of their sins before ascending into Heaven. Not to be disrespectful, but it seems to be sort of a Divine Waiting Room or a minimum security prison devoted to short sentences and rehabilitation.

Purgatory is a tough concept. But it is hopeful. It is seen as a cleansing process and a purification. All is not lost in Purgatory. Patience and trust are lessons to be gleaned in a state of Purgatory. When you are in Purgatory, the expectation is that Heaven awaits and it is right around the corner. While you are in Purgatory, you have been assured that you have been chosen for a good fate in the future, by the Divine.

“Purgatory is hell with hope.” – Philip Jose Farmer

“Heaven is purpose, principle, and people. Purgatory is paper and procedure. Hell is rules and regulations.” – Dee Hock

“If I have to spend time in purgatory before going to one place or the other, I guess I’ll be all right as long as there’s a lending library. “- Stephen King