YOUCAT Question n. 161 - Part II. What is hell?
(Youcat
answer - repeated) Hell is the condition of everlasting separation from God,
the absolute absence of love.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 1035)
The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately
after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into
hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire" (Cf.
DS 76; 409; 411; 801; 858; 1002; 1351; 1575; Paul VI, CPG § 12). The chief
punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can
possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment)
Someone who consciously
and with full consent dies in serious sin, without repenting, and refuses God’s
merciful, forgiving love forever, excludes himself from communion with God and
the saints. We do not know whether anyone at the moment of death can look
absolute Love in the face and still say No. But our freedom makes that decision
possible. Jesus warns us again and again not to separate ourselves definitively
from him by shutting our hearts against the need of his brothers and sisters:
“Depart from me, you cursed… As you did it not to one of the least of these,
you did it not to me”(Mt 25:41, 45).
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 1037)
God predestines no one to go to hell (Cf. Council of Orange II (529): DS 397;
Council of Trent (1547):1567); for this, a willful turning away from God (a
mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the
Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church
implores the mercy of God, who does not want "any to perish, but all to
come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9): Father, accept this offering from your
whole family. Grant us your peace in this life, save us from final damnation,
and count us among those you have chosen [Roman
Missal, EP I (Roman Canon) 88].
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