I was sitting in church,
not really paying attention,
when I noticed someone
I had seen the day before
in a compromising situation.
The man was seated in a pew
directly across the aisle
sandwiched between children
and a well-dressed wife, and
he lovingly held her hand.
His head was bowed,
and to anyone's eyes,
the piety and innocence
belonged on his face.
Were his thoughts with God
I wondered, or the woman
I saw leaving his car
after a passionate kiss,
and the crude groping
on the sidewalk
the day before.
Remembering where I was,
I told myself not to judge,
lest I be judged, and
I'm sure not perfect.
They say heaven
has many rooms,
even one for him.
As for me,
when I finally go home,
I believe I'll request
a different floor.
Peace be with you.
A wise old nun once told me her vision of heaven was that, when you first got there, you were shown to your room. You open the door and discover you're sharing for eternity with the three people you least liked in the world. You're free to find lodgings elsewhere, of course, but NOT on another floor... cheers, Jim from Oz
Hi CJ, I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 23:27: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocirtes! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." He also said that not everyone who say Lord, Lord, will enter into heaven! So, this man's salvation is up to the Lord...for it is only He who knows for sure this man's heart and where he will end up. All the same, a most curious situation! :)
Hi CJ,
I will and I can, give this poor soul the benefit of the doubt... Maybe he was sitting with his widowed sister and the dawdy women was his girlfriend? Hmmm? There could be other scenarios, just maybe? I liked this piece, peace be with you too!
Love, Kimmy
Great write...I felt as though I was sitting there with you guys, right on the pew...maybe because I have felt this way before as well, I too have been in a very similar situation. Talk about dejavu!!! I try not to judge as well, but I too would rather have a different floor.
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on October 18, 2006
Church is for the sinners, many have repented and done great things for Him. Tommy Moore was stabbed at the alter.
If he can forgive me, there is hope for everyone..
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on October 18, 2006
For once CJ, I have to disagree. If God can forgive (for His is Mercy Divine), why can't you? Besides in Heaven, there are many sinners, you'd be surprised. One of them was a killer and hung next to Our Lord. The other was a well known sinner, possessed by demons. It would be a priviledge for me to be near them, but I don't think I deserve as much. Victor
You have captured a scenario, that brings to mind Jesus and Mary Magdalene,... when he forgave her for her heinous sins, and told her to go and sin no more..
Potent concoction of sin, guilt and contemplative analysis , symbolised in this spellbinding construction..
Ah CJ, many's a time I feel too dirty to be in church. I try to rub my spritual feet on the mat of forgivness before entering, but my thoughts keep me in their captive grip. Could be that the guy was asking God's forgiveness for the hundredth time. Each time he stopped, the thought came back, he sighed 'Oh no,' then back he went to the throne of grace for another shovel full of mercy. A late friend of mine was converted in prison. People in our area were slow to forgive him. He approached a church door dressed in wellingtons, a workmans jacket and jeans. The walk along by the river to the church had dirtied his boots and the rest of his attire. The elders at the door looked down at his boots and told him he cant sit inside but can go upstairs. So much for their understaning of what James says about showing the poor man to the front and the rich to the back. What the guy did that your poem recalls and the prejudice shown by these men rise up to God's nostrils smelling exactly the same - the smell of sin. Request another floor? The apostle Paul was quite content to be a doormat in heaven. I know I am going based on what the bible says, but only by the skin of my teeth. I'll be happy anywhere in heaven. Teasing write, CJ, teasing. Triggered the old Scottish presbyterian thoughts.
A sensible message delivered with your usual expertise. I don't think you have a worry about the same floor. His elevator may have a down arrow only. CJ, I think the writing here is excellent. An easy conversational tone with no glasshouse breaking stones. But, that's what we expect from you.
Hope no one is watching Hugs
Rusty
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A book-length psychodynamic study of pathological narcissism, relationships
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ups- my still, small voice just said:"It is!!!" :)
God Bless
Love, Lena
I will and I can, give this poor soul the benefit of the doubt... Maybe he was sitting with his widowed sister and the dawdy women was his girlfriend? Hmmm? There could be other scenarios, just maybe? I liked this piece, peace be with you too!
Love, Kimmy
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
If he can forgive me, there is hope for everyone..
Love Tinka
Spellbinding, powerful pen you have done here; very well done! BRAVA; take a bow!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! This one is powerful! I concur with Peter, spellbinding!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
You have captured a scenario, that brings to mind Jesus and Mary Magdalene,... when he forgave her for her heinous sins, and told her to go and sin no more..
Potent concoction of sin, guilt and contemplative analysis , symbolised in this spellbinding construction..
Bravo
Peter
Hope no one is watching Hugs
Rusty