“The Purgatudes” (The Beatitudes for Purgatory)

When Jesus saw all the good souls who had died but were not yet ready for the perfect life of Heavenly Bliss, he sat down at the gate of the Netherworld and said:

Purgatory is for those who were weak in the spiritual life, for they will be made strong.

Purgatory is for those who have not yet mourned for their sins/losses/weaknesses for they will mourn them there.

Purgatory is for those who were not meek, for they will learn meekness, so as to be ready to inherit heaven.

Purgatory is for those who were self-satisfied for they will realize their hunger for God/righteousness.

Purgatory is for those who did not know mercy, for through the penance and prayers of others, they shall know it.

Purgatory is for those who were not yet clean of heart, for seeing God they will be made clean.

Purgatory is for those who did not have peace or foster peace for they shall learn the peace of the children of God.

Purgatory is for those who could not handle/endure the persecutions/trials of life, for they shall be made ready for its rewards.

(This is a poem I wrote for All Souls Day, following the model of the Beatitudes from All Saints Day.)