Purgatory - Finding New Hope In An Old Belief

On March 23, 2011 a dear friend died from cancer. She was only 43. She was a wife, mother, tireless volunteer and good friend to many. She was also unbaptized and a self-declared atheist. As I watched her slip away, I longed to trace a cross on her forehead with a few drops of water but held back out of deference to her unbelieving husband. I prayed to “claim her for Christ” – and any other words of the Baptismal rite I could remember.

Two weeks after her death, I had a dream. I saw her in a featureless place, like the bottom of a brick staircase in an urban building. She stood waiting for me as I approached. “How are you? Are you at peace?” I asked. “Oh, no!” she said in her characteristic way with a sad laugh. “Have you seen God? Have you worshipped Him.” “I tried,” she said sadly, “but I don’t know how.” “I prayed for you,” I said, somewhat sheepishly. “I claimed you for Christ.” “I know,” she said with a smile. “I thought that was great!” I then turned and saw her as I saw her last: emaciated, bald and breathing raggedly in a fitful sleep. At once, she stood in front of me again. “You have to go back and I have to wake up,” I said reluctantly. “I know,” she answered simply. I woke up immediately with the words and images of that dream still vivid in my mind.

That began five years of research and reflection on the Last Things. Questions burned in my heart: What did my dream mean (was it just a dream)? Could it be possible that my friend was saved? Is there salvation for those who seem to reject God in this life? Is there hope for the vast majority of us – including Christians – who die with unconfessed sins and imperfect contrition?