Q. 1. What is the meaning of "Temporal Punishment?"

A. 1. First to explain the meaning of the word "temporal." The word "temporal" has to do with what is worldly versus spiritual. So "temporal punishment" means a punishment that is worldly as opposed to a spiritual one.

A temporal punishment is a punishment for sins that according to Roman Catholic doctrine may be expiated (penance was done for it) in this world or if insufficiently penance was done here on earth, the sinner will be required to expiate the difference (make payment in full) in purgatory. Temporal punishment is over and above having received absolution in the Sacrament of Confession.

Two kinds of punishment are due to sin: the eternal punishment of hell, due to unforgiven mortal sins, and temporal punishment, lasting only for a time, due to venial sins and also to mortal sins after they have been forgiven.

After Confession, the priest gives you a penance so you may make some atonement to God for your sins, receive help to avoid them in the future, and make some satisfaction for the temporal punishment due to them.

God requires temporal punishment for sin to satisfy His justice, to teach you the great evil of sin, and to warn you not to sin again.