# No purgatory? Understanding the fire of love
*2018-03-22*

> Bill Young discusses the presence of hidden mystics among us and explores St. Thérèse of Lisieux's teaching on how the fire of divine love can purify the soul in this life.

## Mystics Hidden Among Us

In our Lenten reading from 'Drawing Near to God,' we encounter the idea of 'Mystics Hidden Among Us.' Written by Emily Griffin, the text suggests that we likely meet mystics every day without recognizing them. Because of their humility and modesty, they blend into the crowd, much like Jesus does in the Gospel of John. These individuals practice a deep love and service to God that often flies under the radar, transforming the lives of others in quiet, plain-spoken ways. We may never know who among us is a true mystic, but their presence is a reminder of God's quiet work in the world.

## Consolation in the Garden

Reflecting on 'Pausing to Pray,' I was struck by a passage from the diary of St. Faustina Kowalska. In entry 1664, the Lord tells her, 'My daughter, know that your ardent love and the compassion you have for me was consolation to me in the garden.' This is a powerful revelation. We often think of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane as a moment of total isolation, but this suggests that He received consolation from the love of souls who would love Him in the future.

This is possible because God exists outside of time; the past, present, and future are all the same to Him. As Father Michael Gaitley mentions in his book '3 in 1,' Jesus could see all those who would be baptized and confirmed in His name while He was on the Cross. He knows every soul He will save. While we maintain our free will, He sees the choices we eventually make. This is why the message of the Divine Mercy image—'Jesus, I trust in You'—is so central to our faith.

## The Fire of Love vs. The Fire of Purgatory

In Day 18 of '33 Days to Merciful Love,' Father Michael Gaitley addresses the question: 'No Purgatory?' He explains that while Purgatory is a place of purification for those who die in a state of grace, the primary suffering there is a longing for God. Interestingly, when we offer ourselves to Merciful Love in this life, we develop a similar longing—but in this life, it is a 'sweet longing' that makes us more joyful and opens our hearts to deeper prayer.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, believed that for 'little souls' who live the 'little way' and make offerings to Merciful Love, Purgatory can be avoided. She wrote to her sister Pauline that the 'oceans of grace' flooding her soul purified her so thoroughly that she had no fear of Purgatory. Thérèse taught that the fire of love is more sanctifying than the fire of Purgatory. When we confidently abandon ourselves to God, His love purifies us in every moment, leaving no trace of sin.

## Trusting in God's Mercy

St. Thérèse believed that focusing too much on the fear of Purgatory can actually grieve the Lord. When her novices expressed fear, she told them they did not have enough trust. She encouraged them to stop fearing the punishment and instead ask that they not deserve to go there. 

To avoid Purgatory, Thérèse advises three things: keep trying to please Him in everything, keep trusting with an unshakeable trust, and recognize the darkness of our own littleness. Even when we fail in small things, God is so good that He will come to find us and get us. Our goal is simply to be faithful so that He does not have to wait in vain for our love.

*By living the 'little way' of trust and surrender, we can allow the fire of God's love to purify us now, bypassing the need for purification after death.*