THE MASS OF CHRIST

THE MASS OF CHRIST

Once more a myriad birds and beasts are slain
To greet Christ's Day; and pious hands have blessed
The gory orgies of the cruel West,
Their feasts of flesh poisoned by fear and pain,
The double kiss of Judas and Pain
Defiles His brow, where love alone should rest.
Of his heart-kindred He is dispossessed;
And, vainly sacrificed. seems born in vain,
O outcast Christ ; how can they find Thy peace
Whose veins are charged with creatures' agony?
How from their fratricidal conflict cease,
Unless again Thou take nativity? -
Oh! not in flesh, by flesh to be for sworn,
But in Man's heart, a flame of love reborn

-James H. Cousins [in a Barclic Pilgrimage ]