In memory of William Carlos Williams
You died in ‘63.
I was born in ‘64.
Crossing paths in heaven,
An impossibility.
But those that have gone
Do hear from those still here.
The human soul immortal,
Purified, I’ve remembered.
But could you’ve forgotten?
Just I’ve the bright idea.
Either to you or to those
Whom can no longer merit.
Gary Edward Geraci
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Author:
Gary Edward Geraci (
Offline) - Published: May 2nd, 2019 18:17
- Comment from author about the poem: “If anyone asserts the fabulous pre-existence of souls, and shall assert the monstrous restoration which follows from it: let him be anathema.” (Second Council of Constantinople). Praying for the souls in purgatory; may God permit them to hear our prayers.
- Category: Friendship
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Comments1
A nice write Gary. I don't insist on being named 'Protestant' but we don't believe in purgatory - not usually.
Fine and dandy Orchidee; one must follow a well formed conscience - from my own faith perspective Purgatory is seen as an act of ultimate mercy. Further, to be called “Catholic” one must freely believe (to be in union with) the magisterial teachings of the Church - and this is one of her teachings. I thank God there is a place for my ultimate purification - when I think of Heaven I picture a purity and bliss that wouldn’t accommodate the current state of my soul. Yes, Jesus Christ has died to redeem me and I fully expect that he will remove this dross that spoils my soul PRIOR to my entry into eternal union with God and the Church Triumphant.
It might seem as a short-cut to say 'There's no purgatory'. Maybe on the Protestant side, we would see purgatory as 'scrubbing up clean' what has already been made clean - so no need for purgation. No need for a sort of 'waiting-room' outside of heaven, before we set foot in it.
I understand. Biblical scholars can and do point to Scriptural proofs for Purgatory you know. But then what usually follows are the same old arguments regarding authority to interpret and so on. Tired old arguments. I’d plug Purgatory one more time as an act of God’s final mercy for those whom failed to come to know Christ while here on the great blue planet of ours; many dear friends and family of my own I might add. Regarding those friends and family now deceased and no longer able to merit - Purgatory here is simply a place of hope, a possible destination for these loved ones.
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