Clement Harrold, “What Dante teaches us about sin, desire and redemption” (2026)

“At its heart, the Commedia is a description of the threefold spiritual cycle that every Christian is called to go through. Both on a daily basis and in our lives as a whole, we must become aware of the horror of our sin (Inferno), undergo the painful process of dying to that sin (Purgatorio), and then reap the fruits that follow (Paradiso).”

“Nevertheless, the flames are something Dante must go through if he wishes to reach his goal. When the poet’s courage falters, his guide Virgil knows the words that will fortify his resolve: “To strengthen me, my sweetest father spoke, as on he went, of Beatrice always, saying, ‘It seems I see her eyes already’” (Purgatorio XXVII.52–4).” –Catholic Herald, February 23, 2026.