Sunday, October 5, 2025
Eucharist: A Study on John 6 and The Real Presence of the Eucharist (On the Journey with Matt and Ken)
Monday, September 29, 2025
A Study on Purgatory both Catholic and Protestant
Catholic Bible Dictionary Scott Hahn General Editor page 745-746 definition of Purgatory: "Defined by theologians as the condition of those who have died in the state of grace but with lingering attachment to sin. In Purgatory these souls are purified for a time before being admitted to the glory and happiness of heaven. In this period of passive suffering, they are purged of unrepented venial sins, satisfy the demands of divine justice for temporal punishment due for sins, and are made ready for the beatific vision.
The doctrine of purgatory is found in Scripture but is not fully developed. The two passages most clearly related to it are 2 Maccabees 12:45 and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
In 2 Maccabees, Judas Maccabaeus sends twelve thousand drachmas to Jerusalem to have sacrifices offered for the sins of the dead. This action clearly supposes that forgiveness of faults and the expiation of guilt are still possible for the deceased. And not only that but the actions of Judas Maccabeus indicate that prayers and liturgical rights conducted by the living can benefit the deceased. Thus, Catholic tradition concludes that it is "a holy and pious thought" to make "atonement for the dead, and that they might be delivered from their sin." (2 Maccabees 12:45)
In 1 Corinthians, Paul is discussing the Lord's scrutiny of our works on the Day of Judgment. Here it is said that each person's works will be tested with "fire" to see whether they are worthy of a reward (1 Corinthians 3:13). If not, the person will "suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" (1 Corinthians 3:15). It is clear from this text that even persons who are saved, if their deeds in life are imperfect, will pass through a fiery process of suffering on the way to glory.
A third passage, Matthew 12:32, is likewise explained along these lines by Saint Gregory the Great: "As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the ae to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come."
There are a lot of ideas out there about Purgatory, from pop culture, to literature, and more, and many of them come by way of myth, misunderstanding, and even memes. What does the Catholic Church actually officially teach about Purgatory? Matt Swaim is joined by former Protestant pastors Kenny Burchard and Ken Hensley to look directly at the passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church which formally address Purgatory, and look at the ways that Pope Benedict XVI explained this formal teaching in his encyclical "Spe Salvi."
Catechism of the Catholic Church on Purgatory (1030 - 1032): All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence (1431–1445) and Trent (1545-1563). The tradition of the Church by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire (1 Cor 3:15, 1 Pet 1:7): A for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come. (Matt 12:31) The teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." (2 Macc 12:46) From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all Eucharistic sacrifice so that thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them." (1 Cor 41, Job 1:5)
Matt, Ken, and Kenny continue their series looking at the formal teaching of the Catholic Church on the doctrine of Purgatory. This time they address three key questions that people often have about Purgatory: Is it mentioned in Scripture? Is it a second chance for salvation after death? Is it a third place for those who neither merit Heaven nor deserve Hell?
Matt, Ken, and Kenny continue their series looking at the formal teaching of the Catholic Church on the doctrine of Purgatory. This time they address one of the biggest objections to the concept of Purgatory: the story of the thief on the cross, who died alongside Jesus and was promised paradise. He wasn't even baptized! So how should we think of the Good Thief's story in the context of Catholic teaching on Purgatory?
"..being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Day 245: The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries — The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Monday, September 1, 2025
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Saturday, August 30, 2025
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