The idea of atonement sounds revolting. And yet, atonement is a way to repair the injuries done and re-establish justice. Atonement and reparation in purgatory are liberating and healing. They take place over time, which evinces God’s loving-kindness and patience. Don Paul Denizot explains this in more detail for RCF in the Chronicles of Purgatory #6.
How we can repair in Purgatory
In purgatory, sins are being repaired. However, since divine mercy is boundless and absolute, why can’t God just wipe our slate clean? Wouldn’t it be simpler and quicker?
Forgiving is not forgetting nor a lack of reparation. Dignity has to be repaired. Whenever a child breaks something on purpose because she was angry, her mother can forgive her. Further, if the child attempts to fix it, it somehow restores justice and the damage done. In the process, the relationship to her mother also gets restored.
Atonement sets us free
Nowadays, there is much talk about reparation in the Church. This idea perhaps had been a bit overlooked over the years. Another name for it is “atonement”. To atone means to serve a sentence for any harm caused. However, atonement also liberates from evil. In purgatory, both justice and love exist. Such justice bears no vengeance. Its purpose is not to punish or hurt but to transform us from inside, to open the soul to love and to heal it.
We do not achieve salvation on our own
Praying for the deceased recalls us that in purgatory we do not achieve salvation on our own. In this world, we all seek to be autonomous. However this is illusory because our life depends on our parents, our educators, our relationships. We are dependent on other people, both on this earth and beyond.
I am dependant on others and on their prayer. We, the living, have dignity through our ability to pray for the deceased. Although God does not need our prayers, He expects them to show His mercy on them. Through our prayers, the bonds of love which existed in this world are maintained beyond death.
Time in purgatory
We all need time to evolve. This is quite clear in child-rearing. Time is necessary to help children grow. The same applies to the kingdom of God. It needs time to unfurl and grow within.
Indeed, although time still exists in purgatory, it evinces God’s sensitivity, loving-kindness and patience. He is like a mother who gestures tenderly to her child to encourage her to grow.
