Two hearts

The same fire,

The same Spirit and desire.

Two bodies 

The same life,

The same atoning sacrifice.

The Body of Christ, the body of His pastor

Loving in the image of his Crucified Master;

Priest and Victim, Priest and victim

Your life freely offered with Him.

Your will is the altar of this union

Nourished by the day’s Communion

Through childlike humility, obedient docility

Your penance and your purity.

Submissive to the Father’s plan,

He is the Host in your sacred hands 

And you are the host in His,

Consumed by the Mercy He is.

Two minds

The same light,

The same divine transforming sight.

Two shepherds 

The same Word,

The same eternal truth is heard.

The Paraclete! –Your power and reason

To announce the Gospel out of season

Without revision or omission

Most loyal to your King’s Commission.

His message by this world so scorned,

He crowns you with His crown of thorns.

Your persecution’s secret wisdom:

Men of violence command the Kingdom.

Obtaining life by bearing death,

He feeds His lambs out of His own flesh

And you feed your lambs out of yours – 

A martyr’s blood outpoured.

Written for a priest-friend, who courageously faces a daily white martyrdom.

© 2020 Adelaine Nohara, www.eyesoftheheartstudio.com