July 27, 2007

Friar Forever

Robed rugged in grey

my feet shod with peace

cruciform in array

I smile with joy

Toward Heaven I ride

where pain shall all cease

on a steed of sheer faith

God’s mystical bride

Jesus Christ is my Lord,

Maid Mary my shield;

the Cross my bright sword

in death’s darkness I wield

To Thy Spirit I bow,

however I feel;

my total surrender

Thy Triumph reveals

“Oh Spirit of Love,

set my soul all ablaze;

Ardent Flame of Desire-

consume all in Thy wake!”

On this great raging Sea

waves toss my poor heart

(in this world’s wistless ways);

yet I’m borne forth in peace

safe inside Peter’s Barc

Dread danger devours

mighty souls in its swoon,

raging warfare surrounds

all who hunger for truth;

but the brothers of Francis

sing gladly their tune!

In council together

Greyfriars unite;

this storm we shall weather,

for Christ is our Light!

Brigands grasp for our hearts

demons strike at our souls

flesh surfeits our weak spirits-

but still we press on

to the heights of true love…

“Dear Mother enfold us

in your mantle so fair,

your pure presence uphold us-

tranquility untold,

bright Lighthouse of Gold!”

Our Queen’s crown we hold high

fing’ring fire upon all

(though silent our tongues)

fireballs of love burst forth from each rung

Glistening grace electrifies the sky

girded with God’s own Merciful Pow’r,

saturating all with spiritual rays

radiant Love of the Son Most High!

Despite deadly distress

ev’ry trial serves to bless

and though all seem lost,

the Lamb’s Holocaust

shall end sin’s cruel mess

Through mires of mud

Thy Word still takes root,

filling our emptiness

with true Living Food

“Irresistible Voice

deign ravish my soul;

Sweet Symphony of Love

Thou alone are Enough;

Reign now—make me whole!”

Whene’er Christ we confess,

the vict’ry is won;

death is destroyed

and Life is enthroned

“Father, I love Thee-

Thy Kingdom let come!”

A friar forever

Thy son has become.

(Dedicated to all who make our life as friars possible by your prayers, love, and support.)

Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR

Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, Newark, NJ

_____________________________________________