DJ,

Two points:

1. Thinking of Purgatory as immediate does not contradict Catholic teaching on Purgatory.
2. It's bad exegesis to apply a specific situation revealed in Scripture as a general principle. Just because the thief made it to Heaven in one day doesn't mean everyone does, just as not everyone who lies to a bishop gets struck dead. (e.g. Acts 5:1ff)

There are many arguments that can be applied to this situation.

For example, one might argue that his crucifixion was agonizing enough to compensate for his purgatorial debt — if he had one, for purgatorial debt is not incurred until after Baptism, and he was not baptized before his crimes.

However you look at it; this verse does not tell us anything about Purgatory that can be applied to everyone.

Eric Ewanco

Dear DJ,

Thanks for the question.

I agree with my colleague Eric,

"Just because the thief made it to heaven in one day doesn't mean everyone does."

The proper way to think of Purgatory is like the Holy Hospital of Heaven. Throughout life, our fallen human nature can draw us into sin. The result of Adam's sin is what the Church calls concupiscence, a strong sexual desire. Nevertheless, by frequenting the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, our sins can be absolved, and satisfaction for the effect of our sins can be amended through our Penances. Nevertheless, as Revelation 21:27 states, Nothing impure shall enter Heaven because God is all holy, and in order to share in that holiness, we too have to be all holy. Mankind is purified through Purgatory, the Holy Hospital of Heaven.

For sixteen years, I have been running another website dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory and starting Purgatory Prayer Meetings across America. On that site, I give a good analogy that will help you understand it better:

• How do we understand and explain Purgatory?
• Purgatory and Indulgences from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Objections answered about Purgatory and related issues in the Church.
  

I also have this web posting which goes a bit deeper:

• What is Purgatory, why does it only apply to Catholics, and what is the Scriptural basis for this?

If you or any one in your area is interested in starting a program, we can send you a FREE Purgatory Prayer Program starter kit, here.

Just click on:

Yes, I'm very interested. Send me my FREE Purgatory Prayer Program today!

(All I need is your full name, e-mail address, full postal address, and the courtesy of an e-mail reply when you receive it.)

Mike