 A Jesuit priest, Robert Southwell (ca. 1561–1595) was a poet and underground Catholic missionary to his native England. Arrested as a traitor, he endured three years of imprisonment, including torture, before his execution. He was canonized as a martyr in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
The following is one of his well-known poems entitled "New Prince, New Pomp." Behold a silly, tender Babe, In freezing winter night, In homely manger trembling lies; Alas! a piteous sight. The inns are full; no man will yield This little pilgrim bed; But forced he is with silly beasts In crib to shroud his head. Despise Him not for lying there; First what He is inquire: An Orient pearl is often found In depth of dirty mire. Weigh not His crib, His wooden dish, Nor beasts that by Him feed; Weigh not His mother’s poor attire, Nor Joseph’s simple weed. This stable is a Prince’s court, The crib His chair of state; The beasts are parcel of His pomp, The wooden dish His plate. The persons in that poor attire His royal liveries wear; The Prince Himself is come from heaven: This pomp is praised there. With joy approach, O Christian wight! Do homage to thy King; And highly praise this humble pomp, Which He from heaven doth bring. TAGS: Reflection  "The absence of someone God can fill; the absence of God no one can fill."
Love. If you lose love, God is always there. But if you lose Love, no one is there. The message is simple, plain, succinct. Spread the word, and write it on the streets and sidewalks around the world. Spread the Word, and write it on the hearts of all you encounter. Don't know what else to say. The message is clear. We have work to do. Will you help? TAGS: Reflection |
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