Poems (Rice)/After a Sermon

by Maria Theresa Rice

AFTER A SERMON.

"What do ye more than others."
St. Matthew v. 47.

WHAT have I done, what good indeed,
 Since last within Thy sacred gate?
Not more than others, though agreed
 To ever on Thy pleasure wait;
What have I done to justify
The pledge which Thou hast sealed on high,
 Sealed with Thy love immaculate?

Far have I wandered from the way,
 As I attend upon Thy word;
Within these hallowed walls to-day
 How has my soul its depths been stirred;
Views of the resurrection morn
Our loved ambassador has drawn,
 And duties long, too long, deferred.

Beseeching, dost thou stand apart,
 Above this penitential throng;
With list'ning ear and trembling heart
 Bowed is my head with fear and wrong;
As thou in saintly robes so fair
From His own book dost now declare
 My fate, my destiny ere long.

Sweetly hast thou portrayed sublime
 The mantle that we each should wear,
So richly wrought with gems divine
 By Him who does our crosses bear;
What power, what gifts are thine to sound,
With thrilling voice and love profound,
 The heart, that we His crown may wear.

Not more than others—nay, I shrink
 To hear what I have left undone;
And near, perchance, the dreadful brink,
 The promised prize by me not won;
Eternity, the shoreless sea—
A glimpse appears to-day to me
 That I must cross with chart alone.

O Father, strengthen this my vow,_
 My pure resolve, my heart renew;
With charity my will endow,
 Keep me in all I hope to do;
A steadfast faith in Thy dear Son,
Until my labors here are done;
 No way but Thine would I pursue.