MY EASTER PILGRAMAGE

       by Joe Palmere, April 20, 2014

These soulful words ascribed herein, speak, “repent ye’ sinner of blasphemy.”

But for some my words profoundly strike a chorus of hope and spirituality.

The “witness to my truth” herein lies, written not only for pious eyes.

I trust “GOD'S WISDOM" to light my way to everlasting salvation on judgment day. Heed not “HIS" words, and eternal damnation is the price I shall pay.

Easters past, I did recall, But my youth has since vanished like spring into fall. The ringing of bells called the faithful to their pews, For “CHRIST'S ” resurrection once yearly is renewed.

Thie “call to worship” no longer sounds in my ear,

But the tolling of church bells still stirs deep within,

as my sorrowful soul silently weeps with tears.

A slumbering spirit of a devout Catholic son, was shaken as if scolded by a classroom NUN. Deep inside my battered soul, I yearned to celebrate “everlasting life,” But I have long since been abandoned by man's  religious strife.

Far, far away from those houses of prayer, I sought solace to worship amidst nature’s lair.  My belief in “God,” “Christ,” and the “Ghost, Holy,” is still smoldering faster than slowly.

"Religions" for me, have lost  their subsistence.

No longer is it relevant to my earthly existence.

Salvation is mine, should I choose to accept it.

but first I must find it, and then not reject it.

This is my cross to carry alone!  A cross outweighed many times by what “JESUS” had to condoned.

I need only bare the weight of my transgressions, and not mankind’s errant regressions.

I know not of any constructed religion, That alone can spare me the flames of damnation. “Forgiveness” comes from “GOD,  and GOD" alone, Not preachers or clerics who claim “His” throne.

Do I need man’s sepulchers to pass thru Heaven’s gate, to never see, "Dante’s" words  “ABANDON ALL HOPE, YE WHO ENTER HERE,"  as my eternal  fate.

"John 3-16” Gives me faith of a  joyful end, That even time itself nevermore will never transcend.

“GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,  THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. 

The Church Vickers would resoundingly say “nay, first ye must  tithe an offering, every Sabbath day.

Because I doubt a ‘cash and carry’ salvation,  am I akin to “THOMAS” who doubted the “resurrection.” Must I first see proof of life everlasting, Before I fall victim to eternal damnation?

The “SON OF GOD" scorned not, the doubting of “THOMAS,” Even though “he” sought proof in the RESERECTION'S PROMISE. 

"CHRIST" spoke unto “THOMAS,“ “BECAUSE YOU HAVE SEEN ME, YOU BELIEVE,  BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND BELIEVE."

“Thomas” wept silently but not from his face, for forever will he grieve internally for his lack of faith.

My belief is by faith, and not by sight. Must I sit amidst the flock in these chapels of adoration? 

Or does “GOD” not love a man, who worships alone in meditation, As much as one who worships in public prostration?

This query still taunts my sorrowful soul, because I have chosen to worship alone, away from the fold.

I seek “GOD'S blessings and forgiveness direct,

As I knock on "HIS" “door for absolution” to project,

Each time "HIS" door has been opened.

But how many times more will “GOD” forgive,

to allow me peace to live and let live.

Is there no limit to “HIS” tender mercies.,

will ever “HE” say,  sorry "Joseph" no mercy. 

Oh “Lord,“ I am weak and afraid to die,

I ask that "YOU" heed my fateful cry.

My fallibility to sin, has been given a reprieve,

by the resurrection of “CHRIST" this EASTER'S eve.