Friday, April 07, 2023

"The Mystery of Saint Etienne"

 "The Mystery of Saint Etienne"

      Between reason and faith, we make our way through a hard world with edges sharp enough to wound the unwary. Oh Lord, guide our steps.
      Faith is what we hold, a lamp to light our way and to let blind eyes see. Oh Lord, let Your light shine on us.
      Between what is and what should be, we are stretched, a cord between two black horses. Oh Lord, send to us Your mercy.
      Heaven is our hope in this world without hope. Oh Lord, may we bring hope as You brought hope unto us.
      Between the precipice and the fall, we take faltering steps, children lost in the dark woods. Oh Lord, give us a lodestone that points to You.
      Here we stand unclean in our souls and dark of hearts. Oh Lord, send to us Your cleansing rain.
      Oh Lord, we are fallen but You lift us up.
      Oh Lord, we are scattered but You gather us.
      Oh Lord, we are unworthy but You take us.
      We raise hands to You, a thousand tongues give unto You praise, and the rocks and hills and dales resound with voices that cry,
      Hosanna,
      Hosanna,
      Hosanna.

(Copyright by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved.)