Theological Foundations new file

185 The Eschatological Direction flames and at this same moment freeze like ice. Father Papczynski emphasizes that all this can be avoided by fighting now against the flames of passion and spiritual frigidity. 39 In this way, the author wishes to encourage his reader to live a life that is impeccable and full of mor- tifications, all of which is so important in the entire process of moral for- mation. Further, the author gives rein to his imagination as he describes the types of punishments in hell. The fire in hell burns very brightly but gives no light. It is so strong that it penetrates the souls even though they are incorporeal. This fire will continue to burn even after the Last Judgment. Added to the torment caused by the fire are the sneers of Satan which torment the condemned, including quarrels, moans, curses, blasphemies, wailing and gnashing of teeth which never leave the con- demned. 40 There are also spiritual punishments which affect the three powers of the soul: mind, memory and will. “The mind will be the first to experi- ence torment as it ponders the heavenly glory enjoyed by the saints and fully comprehends its own punishment and damnation. The memory will suffer remembering and recalling the worldly delights and pleasures and now truly understanding the torment it is in because of them. The will is going to scold and torment itself with indescribable anger accus- ing God of being an unjust, wicked and cruel tyrant who punishes it so severely and will continue to torment it forever, even though the con- demned rightly deserve all their sufferings. Last, but not least, will be the oppressive pain caused by the worm of remorse and constant hopeless recollection of one’s sins. This worm will eat at the spirit of the con- demned so cruelly that each one of them would rather bear all possible kinds of torture than be tormented by it.” 41 In order to help his readers to realize the enormity of the punishments of hell, Father Stanislaus, in the spirit of his times, uses yet another very realistic image. He is convinced that should any one of the condemned be given a chance to return to life and do penance, he would gladly accept even this kind of punishment whereby his body would be torn