Mary Magdalene

FRANCIS C. GEORGE

'Tw as not a hurt, reproachful friend who spoke
To that brave woman standing by the tomb,
Seeking to pierce the early morning gloom
Before the less indebted ones awoke;
For she had dared to be herself, to go
As her untutored richness led, to love
The best she knew, though he seemed far above
Her, lying shamed by those who made her so.
As his forgiveness brought her then to see
God's child upright and self-condemned no more,
So now his "Mary," sharp, decisive, clear,
Awoke her to a higher ministry.
"Master," she cried, then swift his message bore,
For Love had dried the unavailing tear.