Fifth Day
The doctrine of purgatory implies two truths. First, that after a mortal sin is forgiven in the Sacrament of Penance, and the eternal punishment due to it is remitted, there still remains some debt of temporal punishment to pay, either in this life—by deeds of penance—or in the next in purgatory. Second, even venial sins are a stain which prevent the soul from entering into heaven. These stains, therefore, must first be wiped off, if the soul is to enter the abode of all holiness. Now, purgatory is the place where the souls predestined to eternal glory are detained for a time, and this period is fixed by God’s justice for the purpose of expiation and purification, until they are quite worthy of the everlasting bliss prepared for them. Until the end of the world, until the last Day of Judgment, there will be an intermediate place between heaven and hell. Heaven is the place where only the just and holy are admitted. Hell is the dungeon into whose depths are plunged the souls of the impious and unrepenting. But purgatory lies between the two, and is meant to receive for a time those souls of the just who will require some further purification. And I am hurrying to one or the other place. Which shall it be? Whichever it is it will be of my own making and choice. God is now giving me time and opportunities sufficient to gain the one and avoid the other. Let me reflect whither my course is leading me. Let me do it now—to-morrow may be too late. God has given me only one life in which to accomplish my salvation. According to the eternal decree that life will end at the appointed time.
Prayer.
Release, O Lord, etc., etc.