Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Priests in Hell

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Sept. 30, 2024

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.

Most pastors are familiar with the unpleasantries of patrolling parish grounds after dark. After disrupting a young couple seeking privacy in the darkness of the parking lot, a young man rolls down the car window. As he zooms away he yells, “I’ll see you in hell!” Many may not believe in God, but they believe in hell. It’s a good start.

The Gospel directs our attention to the reality of hell with the words of Jesus. Jesus refers to the everlasting fires of Gehenna for unrepented sins. Traditionally, we’ve translated that word as “Hell.” The words are interchangeable. Gehenna was a fiery pit of child sacrifice and a metaphor for the everlasting torment of those who offered their children to the Demon Moloch. …

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