“Lazarus, Come forth!” – John 11:43
Awaken from the deep sleep of death,
Abandon the darkness, and march forth
Into the light of God’s golden beckoning dawn.
There is much for you to do, so slumber not
My soul, though the dreamless rest is comforting
It is only essential preparation for the task at hand.
God calls, and the time has arrived for generous action.
Each heart is granted a time of respite, a short time
In the grave of forgetfulness, – a special retreat
To heal old hurts, and to prepare for a sudden valiant
Coming forth to follow the sharp call that pierces the
Silence like stars in the darkest cloudless night.
Move on to action, for the time is now, and fear not
Any obstacles may accumulate in the stony path.
How many deaths of the now shall we endure,
Glorifying in the transformation that accompanies
Each new chapter of struggle in our long journey
Toward that last triumph of grace in eternity?
We may weaken and even loose heart at times
But he will gently heal us and bring us forth again
That God’s Infinite Love may be known upon the earth.
Toss out the stones of pain and insecurity to clear
The path for grace and courage to endure one more
Hurdle, one more hurt, and thus move on to another
Ledge of sharp stones as the journey streaks upward.
No time for quiet reflection, no time for sordid regrets,
No walking stick, nor extra sandals, – only grace may
Accompany us on this arduous journey with the Infinite.
By Sr. Phyllis Carpenter, SAC
