Patrick Madrid tackled a fascinating question on his show: Can we feel regret in heaven?
Regret in Heaven? Not Happening.
Patrick made it crystal clear: heaven is an eternal state of perfect bliss. No regrets, no “what-ifs,” no “I should have prayed more Rosaries.” You’re maxed out in joy, peace, and love, depending on your “capacity” to receive God’s glory.
He used a great analogy: Imagine your capacity for heavenly joy is like a container:
Some have an Olympic swimming pool worth of grace.
Others might have a Dixie cup (ouch, but still blissed out!).
The Blessed Virgin Mary? Her capacity is like the Pacific Ocean.
No one will feel bad for having “less,” because they’ll be maxed out with what they can hold. It’s like everyone’s favorite drink, perfectly full: no room for envy or FOMO.
Purgatory: Where Regret Gets Burned Off
Now, regret? That’s for purgatory. Patrick referenced 1 Corinthians 3:15, explaining that in purgatory, we’ll confront the moments we chose “wood, hay, and straw” over “gold, silver, and precious stones.” (Translation: the times we didn’t fully cooperate with God’s grace.)
In purgatory, we’ll think: “Man, I could’ve done more!” But it’s all part of God’s mercy: purifying us for heaven.
Emotions in Heaven? Absolutely.
Patrick also clarified that while we won’t feel regret or negative emotions in heaven, we will feel joy, love, and awe at levels we can’t even imagine. The emotional reunions with loved ones? Epic. And all those pesky, earthly “low emotions” like anger, jealousy, or boredom? Gone forever.
The Leap to Heaven: Bigger Than Birth
Patrick shared this: Just as an unborn baby can’t imagine the world outside the womb (oceans, love, burgers), we can’t fathom the leap from this life to eternal life. It’s that much bigger and more incredible.
St. Paul nailed it: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
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