Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
§ 7 explained
An angel receives a precious soul at the gates of Purgatory, invoking the mercy of God and the prayers of the faithful.
What happens
An angel receives a precious soul at the gates of Purgatory, invoking the mercy of God and the prayers of the faithful. The soul is gently lowered into the penal waters, with promises of angelic care and eventual resurrection.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Humility
The soul's patient acceptance of purgatorial suffering and the angel's call to be brave and patient.
Transience and Eternity
The contrast between the fleeting grass of morning and the eternal refuge of God.
The Church and Tradition
The mention of Masses on earth and prayers in heaven underscores the communion of saints and traditional Catholic practice.
Characters to notice
- Angel
The angel speaks, commanding the gates of Purgatory to open and receiving the soul.
- The Dead
The souls in Purgatory cry out to the Lord, recalling His eternal refuge and human frailty.
- Lord
Addressed as the eternal refuge and God, who is entreated for mercy and guidance.
- Father, Son, and Paraclete
The Trinity is glorified in the doxology at the end of the souls' prayer.
- Adam
Referenced in the plea 'Come back again, ye sons of Adam,' highlighting human mortality.
Key passages
“Lord, Thou hast been our refuge: in every generation; Before the hills were born, and the world was: from age to age Thou art God.”
God has always been a safe haven for humanity, existing before creation itself.
The souls in Purgatory affirm God's eternal nature and protective role.
“The grass springs up in the morning: at evening-tide it shrivels up and dies. So we fail in Thine anger: and in Thy wrath we are troubled.”
Human life is as brief and fragile as grass that withers by evening, especially under God's displeasure.
A meditation on human mortality and divine judgment.
“Softly and gently, dearly-ransomed soul, In my most loving arms I now enfold thee, And, o’er the penal waters, as they roll, I poise thee, and I lower thee, and hold thee.”
The angel tenderly embraces the redeemed soul and carefully lowers it into the purifying waters of Purgatory.
The angel's gentle care contrasts with the harshness of purgatorial suffering.
“Farewell, but not for ever! brother dear, Be brave and patient on thy bed of sorrow; Swiftly shall pass thy night of trial here, And I will come and wake thee on the morrow.”
The angel bids a temporary farewell, encouraging the soul to endure its trial, promising to return at the resurrection.
A message of hope and assurance of eventual reunion.