Sitting Around Your Table

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 CLASSIC POEM: “I have yet many things to say unto you” Edward Hayes Plumptre JOHN XVI. 12. WEARY and sad, and sorrow-spent were they, In that still upper room, While the rich crimson of the closing day Was fading into gloom, And over all, benumbing soul and sense, Hung the cold shadow of a dread suspense. High words they heard, but little meaning found, And spoke their wonder out; Their Master’s wisdom seemed an empty sound, And faith was nigh to doubt, And with the simpler questions of a child Mingled vague dreams, dull thoughts, and guesses wild. The promise of a Spirit yet to come, That other Paraclete, To lead them on to Truth’s eternal home And guide their wandering feet; That could not soothe the anguish of their heart, They asked in sadness “Must their Lord depart?” The three-fold witness mighty to prevail Against an evil world, The wondrous promise, certain not to fail, Truth’s banner wide unfurled; All this they heard, and yet their thoughts were cold, Feeble the strong, and faint of heart the bold. Yes, after all, or clear and open speech, Or sayings dark and dim, They yet had much to learn and He to teach, Ere they could rest in Him, Ere they could preach His words with cleanséd lips, Or He impart His full Apocalypse. So year by year, and age by age He sends The Spirit true and pure, To guide the souls of those He owns as friends In pathway straight and sure, Unfolding still to souls that love the light The glories of His wisdom infinite. So we too yet have many things to learn Which now we scarce can bear, And though at times our hearts within us burn We soon forget to hear, And look with vision dim and wondering eyes As, one by one, new fears and doubts arise. Only do Thou, O Lord, Thy word fulfil, And let Thy Spirit’s might Through all life’s wars and storms be with us still, And lead us to the light; Through mists and shadows guide our wandering feet, And with Him come Thyself, Thou first great Paraclete. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: “Sitting Around Your Table” Madeleine L’Engle SNIPPET: Sitting around your table as we did, able to laugh, argue, share bread and wine and companionship, care about what someone else was saying, even if we disagreed passionately: Heaven, we’re told is not unlike this, the banquet celestial, … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]