What do we know about purgatory?

In a book called In His Own Words: Jesus Teaches About Purgatory, author Deacon Joe Hulway dissects Scripture for the answers and comes up with one way of viewing it.

“We can consider the judgment of our behavior as on a traditional grading scale,” says Hulway.

“Simply following the Commandments is equivalent to earning a ‘C.” It is a passing grade.

“But aiming toward virtue, doing more than required, we can earn us a ‘B’ and maybe even an ‘A.’

“Of course, on the other end of the scale, when we are stuck in patterns of venial sins, we may earn a grade of ‘D.’

“And when we fall into mortal sin, we earn and deserve a failing grade of ‘F.'”

The deacon notes his frustration in college with those who would study in hope of just a “B” or “C.”

The spiritual walk is similar. Many are those–we call them lukewarm–who seek to do only what is required, when Jesus wants us to soar.

He doesn’t want us to limit our effort to just getting by.

“I always studied with the intent of trying to get a 100 percent on every test. I very rarely attained that goal, but when I missed, I had plenty of safety factor to still do well on the test.”

Do we still have lust, resentment, anger, jealousy, any form of hatred, sloth in our lives?

We have to get rid of them here on earth or burn them away in purgatory.

Not sure what blemishes you may still carry?

Ask the Holy Spirit every day to reveal them, and set about getting an “A” on that final report card.

[resources: In His Own Words: Jesus Teaches About Purgatory]