[metmom]

Purgatory is like a grape press; it squeezes every single droplet of sin away from our souls, and then, then, as Christ sees fit, one is allowed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

There is no sin in the soul of the one forgiven by God. The forgiveness is total and complete, or the person could not be considered forgiven.

It's only the blood of Jesus which has the ability to cleanse the soul from sin, and once that cleansing it done, there's nothing left to squeeze out. Suffering CANNOT rid the soul of sin.

[mlizzy]

If done correctly, suffering is the one of the best means of eliminating impurity in one's own soul [eventually], and the soul of our neighbor. Pope St. Pius X said it best:

Holy Communion is the shortest and the safest way to Heaven. There are others: Innocence, for instance, but that is for little children. Penance, but we are afraid of it. Generous endurance of the trials of life, but when they come we weep and ask to be spared. The surest, easiest, shortest way is by the Eucharist.

[tired&retired]

“Suffering CANNOT rid the soul of sin.”

While I agree with you, suffering can force us to be willing to let go of the sin we are clenching. This is why Jesus asked people if they “Wanted to be healed.”

If it were not for suffering or the discomfort, we would not make the choice to let go of it. Suffering also teaches compassion, a necessary stepping stone toward forgiveness.

When a person can’t forgive someone, I break the process into three steps. First gain “understanding” of the other person. Secondly, with that understanding have “compassion.” And finally, with that compassion, “forgive” that person, (or yourself!) Self judgment, guilt or anger turned inward is one of the greatest obstacles to accepting God’s unconditional Love.