Philosophers have measured mountains,
Fathomed the depths of seas, of states, and kings,
Walked with a staff to heaven, and traced fountains:
But there are two vast, spacious things
The which to measure it doth more behoove:
Yet few there are that sound them: Sin and Love.
Who would know Sin, let him repair
Unto Mount Olivet; there shall he see
A man so wrung with pains that all his hair,
His skin, his garments bloody be.
Sin is that press and vice, that forceth pain
To hunt his cruel food through every vein.
Who knows not Love, let him assay
And taste that juice, which on the cross a pike
Did set again abroach; then let him say
If ever he did taste the like.
Love is that liquor sweet and most divine
Which my God feels as blood; but I, as wine.
George Herbert (1639)
This, my meditation for Good Friday.
Posted by: Bill R | March 20, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I like this one. "Denial" is one of my favorites of his.
On a related note, you might enjoy this series (of mine) on Lent/the Triduum/Easter with quoted passages from many of our favorite writers/thinkers/saints along with accompanying artwork: http://eagleandelephant.blogspot.com/
Posted by: W. | March 21, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Coming to this late on Holy Saturday, but thanks. It is a wonderful meditation. George is one of my favorites; so is Zbigniew.
Posted by: Bill Daugherty | March 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM