George Herbert

Today is the feast day of George Herbert, the 17th century country parson who was one of the cornerstones of Anglican pastoral spirituality. Herbert was a priest and poet, born in 1593, whose book A Priest in the Temple is still among the classics of English literature and Anglican theology. Today's meditation is one of his most well-known poems, and a fine grounding for our mediation and spiritual practice throughout the year.

Love

by George Herbert

LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
   Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
   From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
   If I lack'd anything.

'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'
   Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
   I cannot look on Thee.'
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
   'Who made the eyes but I?'

'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame
   Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'
   'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
   So I did sit and eat. 

The thought for the day...and every day: Only love matters.