December 7, 2007

Woman’s Gaze

Beautiful eyes gleaming

firmly fixed

upon some object of devotion

Now gently leaning

kindly caressing

her love outflowing like an ocean

It startles me –

I blink several times.

“Wait, could it be?”

I wonder… “No – impossible!

She’s looking at me!”

The Queen of Heaven

all radiant in majesty

robed in gold by her Son

is gazing at “me.”

“Dear Mother, I am not worthy

that thou shouldst come to me!

But give me grace to love thee

and all joyful I will be!”

And with her wordless gaze

she spoke all to be said;

her silent smile enraptured me

and fed me blessed bread

I know that I am truly loved

by her and God within;

and resting in her tender gaze

my soul meets Christ again.

Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR

Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, Newark, NJ

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