 |
 |
 |
|
| Hell-
the State of Those who Reject God Hell is the ultimate consequence of sin itself, rather than a place, it indicates the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, according to Pope John Paul II. God’s love and mercy is infinite. But he gave man the free will, that man can unfortunately choose to reject His love and forgiveness once and for all, thus separating himself forever from joyful communion with Him. It is precisely this tragic situation that Christian doctrine explains when it speaks of eternal damnation or hell. It is nor a punishment imposed externally by God but a development of premises already set by people in this life. The very dimension of unhappiness which this obscure condition brings can in a certain way be sensed in the light of some of the terrible experiences we have suffered which make life “hell”. In a theological sense however, hell is something else. It is the ultimate consequence of sin itself which turns against the person who committed it. It is the state of those who definitely reject the Father’s mercy, even at the last moment of their life. According to the scriptures, hell indicated the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy (2 Thes 1:9). This is summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “ To die is mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love means remaining separated from Him forever by our own free choice. The state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell’”. Therefore, “eternal damnation” is not attributed to God’s initiative because in his merciful love he can only desire the salvation of the beings he created. In reality, it is the creature who closes himself to His love. Damnation consists precisely in definitive separation from god, freely chosen by the human person and confirmed with death that seals his choice forever. God’s judgment ratifies this state. Christian faith teaches that in taking the risk of saying "yes" or "no", which marks the human creature's freedom, some have already said no. They are the spiritual creatures that rebelled against God's love and are called demons (cf. Fourth Lateran Council, DS 800-801). What happened to them is a warning to us: it is a continuous call to avoid the tragedy which leads to sin and to conform our life to that of Jesus who lived his life with a "yes" to God. Eternal damnation remains a real possibility, but we are not granted, without special divine revelation, the knowledge of whether or which human beings are effectively involved in it. The thought of hell — and even less the improper use of biblical images — must not create anxiety or despair, but is a necessary and healthy reminder of freedom within the proclamation that the risen Jesus has conquered Satan, giving us the, Spirit of God who makes us cry "Abba, Father!" (Rm. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). This prospect, rich in hope, prevails in Christian proclamation. It is effectively reflected in the liturgical tradition of the Church, as the words of the Roman Canon attest: "Father, accept this offering from your whole family ... save us from final damnation, and count us among those you have chosen". |
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
“Jesus’
Baptism”
HOME
| ABOUT
SAINT MICHAEL | OUR MISSION |
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
| CHAPTER & MEMBERS Copyright©2006 Saint Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary. All rights reserved. |