Each week we carefully curate a collection of poems that resonate with the lectionary readings for that week (Narrative Lectionary and Revised Common Lectionary).
*** Narrative Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading:
Luke 7:1-17
CLASSIC POEM:
The Widow of Nain
John Dunmore Lang
SLOWLY and sad a funeral train
Advances from the gates of Nain,
As Jesus walks along the plain.
The corse they bear — a widow’s son!
Ah! how she weeps! her hope is gone,
And she is friendless and alone!
Can Jesus pass a scene of woe
So sad and sorrowful, nor shew
His pity or his power? O no!
“Weep not, afflicted one,” he cries,
While tear-drops fill his own bright eyes,
“Thy son shall live — Young man, arise.”
Instant Death owns his conqueror near,
And quits his prey with conscious fear,
And the youth rises from the bier!
Meanwhile the people weep for joy;
The mother clasps her risen boy,
And hymns of praise their tongues employ.
Jesus, my God! I too am dead
In sin, and quickly were I laid
In hell for ay, without thine aid!
But if thou say, “Young man, arise,”
Soon shall I ope my closed eyes,
And wake to life and heavenly joys!.
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
