Does God send people to Hell?
Catechism Meditation:
To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love means remaining separated from Him forever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called “hell.” ―No. 1033
God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. ―No. 1037
REFLECTION. In his article for Catholic Action: The Catholic Teaching on Hell, Fr. John Trigilio writes… “People ask how can a good and loving God send any of his children to hell? First of all, God sends no one to hell. People send themselves to hell. When we commit a mortal sin (grave matter, full knowledge, deliberate and free consent), we are consciously rejecting the dominion of God. It is more than mere disobedience of a law. Sin is a disease to the soul. Just as there are benign and malignant tumors, so there are venial and mortal sins. Mortal sins are like malignant tumors in that they are deadly and can kill the life of grace. Only the sacrament of penance (confession) can remove them for a Catholic Christian just as only an oncologist can remove the tumor by surgery or destroy it by radiation or chemotherapy.”
What kind of sin sends a soul to hell? Neglect of your religious obligations, blaspheme, robbing, cheating, stealing, corruption of others or yourself with impure habits. Allowing hatred to burn within you, never forgiving the offender. There is also the Seven Capital Sins, they are called this because they are the major sins that lead to all other sins. They are pride, envy, sloth, anger, gluttony, avarice and lust. Many Christians choose to sin rather than choose what they know God wants them to do. Actively living in sin will cause a rift in your relationship with the Lord. Often people think only the worst go to hell. Remember it takes only one unrepented mortal sin to send a soul to hell for all eternity. People who are in hell are not there because of any sins they committed. No, they are in hell because they refused to repent.
It is impossible for us to be united with God if we refuse to love Him. “Although God desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, He does not force His will upon anyone. Those who freely reject Him and die in mortal sin remain separated from His love forever” (Lumen Gentium, 48). Thus, there is always an urgent call to conversion and repentance. The reality of hell should lead us not to despair but to greater trust in God’s mercy and the Sacraments He has provided for our salvation. Frequent confession, the reception of the Holy Eucharist, and a devotion to Our Lady are powerful means to avoid mortal sin and remain in God’s grace.
PRAYER. O God, my Father, may I love You in all things and above all things. Free me from darkness and keep me in the light of Your truth.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“Souls go to hell for one great reason…they refuse to love.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen