Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: The Crown of Human Perfection

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Feb 17, 2025

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington who has also served as a financial administrator in the Diocese of Lincoln. Trained in business and accounting, he also holds a Master of Divinity and a Master’s in moral theology. Father Pokorsky co-founded both CREDO and Adoremus, two organizations deeply engaged in authentic liturgical renewal. He writes regularly for a number of Catholic websites and magazines.

Jesus says, “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) That’s a tall order. But with our cooperation with God’s grace, perfection is our destiny. A doctrinally correct understanding of original sin, its effects, and its remedies directs us on the path to the glory of Jesus in heaven.

God created man—male and female in communion—in His image and likeness. Original sin defaced His image and brought sin, suffering, and death upon us. After the Fall, God removed the Tree of Life from the Garden. We would no longer live forever. St. Ambrose teaches that death (on God’s terms) is an act of mercy. Death limits human suffering. Sometimes our bodies don’t want doctors to place obstacles to our rendezvous with death. …