EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a series of nine Eucharistic poems by Br. Dain, leading up to Corpus Christi. We hope they will be an inspiration for your prayer and reflection.
What would Mary’s heart conceive,
When St John would the bread receive,
And take it up in priestly hands
When she his Mother present stands.
And say those words which he did say
When he was with them on that day.
She’d then recall an infant mild,
Those days he grew up as a child:
His first words, and his peaceful eyes,
Those late night cries and lullabies.
She’d cherish then as she had done
When she would watch her sleeping Son.
And then she’d think how he did grow,
How Joseph’s skills he came to know,
And when their home he had to leave,
And she in silence left to grieve.
She’d see him travel all the land,
Announce the Kingdom was at hand.
Until that unforgotten hour
When my sins would her Son Devour,
And lead before condemning throng,
Though infinite Love had done no wrong.
She’d see again him on the Cross,
And feel again her Mother’s loss.
Thus Mary would recall those years,
Her eyes would glisten moist with tears
As St John would relive that night
When he would conquer Satan’s might.
He’d raise up high her silent Son,
Whom she held when all had begun.
Then what would Mother’s heart conceive
When on her tongue she would receive
Her dearest Son whom she did bear
Within her womb with tender care.
What silent words between those two,
He in her now present true.
He in her in form of bread,
While she in peace on earth still tread.
Another lullaby she’d sing?
Or needs of all her children bring?
Or simply love and on him smile,
And place before him every trial?
The Son now one with Mother dear,
What joy in him whom she did rear.
Now united, ne’er to part.
Forever kept in Mary’s heart.
Her baby he would always be
In Mother’s heart eternally.
