Love by George Herbert

Cross post from Pilgrims Progress:

Image: Elizabeth Wang

T-01396-OL-V1

http://www.radiantlight.org.uk

The invite to walk in the desert over these next forty days is not a punishment but an invite of love. We might hesitate but one day we will understand that the Lord is preparing for us a banquet feast where all are welcome. I was reminded of this poem which was on our Leaving Cert examination course. It is from George Herbert. Him and John Donne were my favourites and both of them still keep my company as they are in the poem section of the Liturgy of the Hours! 

"Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, 

Guilty of dust and sin. 

But quick-eyed Love, 

observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in, 

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning

If I lacked anything.

“A guest,” I answered, “worthy to be here”:

Love said, “You shall be he.” 

“I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee.”

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, “Who made the eyes but I?”

“Truth, Lord; but I have marred them; let my shame Go where it doth deserve.”

“And know you not,” says Love, “who bore the blame?” 

“My dear, then I will serve.” “You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.” 

So I did sit and eat."

(George Herbert)