The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

I delivered a homily my first weekend in these parishes in which I referenced C.S. Lewis’ short book, The Great Divorce. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book again, as it is equally an instructive and delightful read. It reinforces my belief that one of the best ways we can come to a greater understanding of our Faith is through narrative and literature. This allegorical work describes the bus ride of souls from a grey and miserable Hell to an enormous and glorious Heaven. Hell is a place of one’s own choosing, and many souls we encounter in this brief trip to Heaven ultimately prefer to return there. Yet, some choose to stay, to journey onto those distant mountains, and the rising Sun. Lewis’ book is a reminder to us that Hell is a choice, a choice against God. At the same time, Heaven is equally a choice, a choice to love Him first. Soul after soul refuses to leave behind their own private idols, their love of self, or their personal sins, preferring to remain in Hell. Yet, when one single soul makes the choice to leave this behind and undergo purgation, the change is immediate and dramatic. I encourage anyone who has wondered about the afterlife to pick up this book. It is an excellent start for all who ponder what God has prepared for those who love Him.