The Seventh Meditation: On Hell


15: “The Seventh Meditation: On Hell”

While the contemplation of hell can be depressing and difficult, perhaps it is within the context of Adoration that we can best maintain Hope and consolation. (Photo: P. Smith)

                It may not be a happy reflection or meditation, but contemplating hell and the suffering therein can be a powerful exercise. De Sales challenges us to consider what it would be like to spend eternity separate from the perfect and eternal Love of God. Further, he challenged us to imagine how the suffering of hell is correlated to the sins we commit. That is, whatever sin ruled our material life, the suffering our sins caused will be the same suffering we must endure.  Of course, I want to let go of any sin in my life for fear of my own eternal suffering, but, perhaps more importantly, I want to let go of my sins so no one else will suffer because of my selfishness. As a teacher, this is especially important for if I Love my students, I do not want them to suffer in any way because of my own bad habits, vices, or sins.

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