Hell is hell. Jesus said so.

In the Gospel from the Mass for the second Thursday in Lent (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus offers a clear description of the torments of Hell:

[19] “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. [20] And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz’arus, full of sores,  [21] who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  [22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; [23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz’arus in his bosom.  [24] And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz’arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’  [25] But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz’arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.  [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ [27] And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house,  [28] for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’  [29] But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’  [30] And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  [31] He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'”

Jesus offers an insight into His Perfect Justice by the existence of Heaven and Hell:

• There are some who are comforted in Heaven after they die. The poor suffering man, Lazarus, is one such lucky one.
• As a side note, Jesus also confirms the existence of angels who watch over us.
• Others, who live a selfish life and who neglect the poverty and suffering that is in front of them, go to Hell.
• Hell is horrific: torment, thirst so bad that one craves just a drop of water, flames that cause anguish.
• Hell also is horrible in another way; the condemned can see what they are missing in Heaven in some way; the rich man can see the comfort of Lazarus, making his suffering even worse.
• Hell is also permanent for those condemned, the “great chasm has been fixed.”

This parable of Jesus is cause for each person to examine their conscience and make amends.

For Hell is hell.  Heaven is certainly much better.

Each of us must ask ourselves:  Where am I headed?