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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