At the time of our death, the purity of our soul will be essential in determining our capability to become perfectly united to God- for we will see ourselves as God sees us. When we come face to face with the One Who is entirely unblemished, but still possess souls stained by sin, then we will be incapable of immediately being united to Him. Therefore, for as long as we are on this earth, we ought to strive to cleanse our souls so that we may be wholly prepared to enter the overwhelming light, presence, and love of God.

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This painting attempts to illustrate the progression of reaching perfect unity with God depending on the state of our soul. These souls are depicted as birds, which illustrate the notion of the soul "flying" from the body after death. There is a great mass of dark birds at the bottom, as many unfortunately die with a grave amount of sin still on their souls. However, many of these souls will experience purification in Purgatory until they are pure enough to see God in all His light and glory, shining brightly like the sun. These birds begin to lighten in shade as they fly closer towards the sun, for they are gradually coming to resemble God- eventually to become one with Him and completely engulfed in His light in Heaven.