Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Fr. Patrick Biscoe, OP, discuss gluttony and lust in Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 23-27.

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In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, currently serving in Rome as the Order’s General Promoter for Social Communication. The conversation opens with Fr. Patrick explaining Dominican life, the charism of preaching rooted in study and contemplation, the historical significance of Santa Sabina, and the Order’s ongoing vitality—especially through institutions like the Angelicum. The bulk of the episode then offers a close, theologically rich reading of the Purgatorio.

The hosts explore how Dante structures these sins as forms of excessive or misdirected love, placing them high on the mountain because they are less grave than pride, envy, or wrath, yet still require deep purification. Key themes include the contrapasso of emaciated souls on the gluttony terrace, the “OMO DEI” face motif symbolizing refashioning in God’s image, the role of intercessory prayer (especially Nella’s for Forese Donati), the two instructive trees, medieval embryology and hylomorphism (how airy shades appear gaunt), and the wall of flame on the lust terrace.

They highlight Dante’s nuanced treatment of lust—treating both heterosexual excess (Pasiphaë/bestiality) and sodomy as incontinence—while emphasizing the praise of chaste marriage and the enduring good of ordered eros. The episode closes powerfully with Virgil’s farewell in Canto 27, crowning Dante “lord of himself” once his will is aligned with the good, symbolizing true Christian freedom.

Throughout, the discussion weaves literary analysis with practical spiritual application—especially apt for Lent—showing Purgatorio as a map for self-mastery, image perfection, and liberation from disordered desire. Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Garlick underscore Beatrice as an icon of divine beauty and grace, whose memory motivates Dante through the flames rather than being purged away. The episode ends with an invitation to reread the text, follow the Dominicans’ work, and prepare for the Earthly Paradise cantos in the next installment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio

07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order

13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin

18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory

24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls

29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife

35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics

39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love

43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory

48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance

52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger

57:07 Gradations of the Soul

58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul

01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion

01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory

01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain

01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity

01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory

01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise

01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love

01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession

01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory

01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences

01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust

01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory

01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer

01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge

01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey

01:25:38 Purification Through Love

01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect

01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante

01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-Mastery

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