A Child's Wish (poem) ...

 

 

A Child's Wish

I wish I were the little key

That locks Love's Captive in,

And lets Him out to go and free

A sinful heart from sin.

 

I wish I were the little bell

that tinkles for the Host

When God comes down each day to dwell

With hearts He loves the most.

 

I wish I were the chalice fair

That holds the Blood of Love,

When every flash lights holy prayer

Upon its way above.

 

I wish I were the little flower

So near the Host's sweet face,

Or like the light that half an hour

Burned on the shrine of grace.

 

I wish I were the altar where

As on His mother's breast

Christ nestles, like a child, fore'er

In Eucharistic rest.

 

But oh, my God, I wish the most

That my poor heart may be

A home all holy for each Host

That comes in love to me.

 

Abram J Ryan

(1839-1886)

 

Painting above: Child in prayer by Roberto Ferruzzi

A home all holy...

 

 

 

A Child’s Wish

I wish I were the little key

That locks Love’s Captive in,

And lets Him out to go and free

A sinful heart from sin.

I wish I were the little bell

That tinkles for the Host

When God comes down each day to dwell

With hearts He loves the most.

I wish I were the chalice fair

That holds the Blood of Love,

When every flash lights holy prayer

Upon its way above.

I wish I were the little flower

So near the Host’s sweet face,

Or like the light that half an hour

Burned on the shrine of grace.

I wish I were the altar where

As on His mother’s breast

Christ nestles, like a child, fore’er

In Eucharistic rest.

But oh, my God, I wish the most

That my poor heart may be

A home all holy for each Host

That comes in love to me.

Abram J Ryan

1839-1886

The King Of Love My Shepherd Is

The King Of Love My Shepherd Is 

(St. Columba)

The King of Love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
and He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
With gentle care He leads me,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With Heav'nly food He feeds me.

Perverse and foolish I have strayed
But yet in love He sought me,
and on His shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill
With You, dear Lord, beside me, 

Your rod and staff my comfort still,
Your Cross before to guide me.

You spread a table in my sight,
Your saving grace bestowing;
And O what joy and true delight
From Your pure chalice flowing!

And so through all the length of days
Your goodness fails me never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise
Within Your house forever.