The Joyful Song of the Imprisoned

After St. Paul and Silas were beaten within an inch of their lives and cast into prison, their fellow prisoners were awoken in the night by the beautiful praises they sang to God. In this story, we are given a wonderful image of the souls in Purgatory. In the midst of their imprisonment, they unceasingly and joyfully sing the praises of their divine Lord. Although it is true that their anguish surpasses all the sufferings one can endure during his life on Earth, their joy and peace is also beyond our comprehension. Purgatory is said to be a species of hell in its suffering, yet the greatest paradise in its joy.

We know of the existence of Purgatory from the Book of Machabees, from Our Lord’s quote about paying the last farthing, and from St. Paul’s writing of the purifying fire. The doctrine is also confirmed by tradition in the writings of Tertullian and the story of St. Perpetua. Lastly, reason itself tells us of the need for this place of purification, for nothing defiled can enter Heaven.

The souls in Purgatory wish for us to enjoy the peace and happiness they have now even before our death, but we can only do so by removing all obstacles between us and our Lord