Poem November 24, 1945 Issue

"And she arose and ministered unto them"

ISLA PASCHAL RICHARDSON

Perhaps it was her custom to express
Her love in little kindly acts; to fill
Her busy hours with daily thoughtfulness
Of those about her. She, the mother of
The wife of Peter, lay with fever spent
And they besought the Master. "He rebuked
The fever; and it left her." Suddenly
Released, "'immediately she arose
And ministered unto them." Was it not
Her way of showing gratitude to God?
No need for convalescence and no space
For pampering of self. She was made whole
And freed from false beliefs that fell away
Like outworn garments when the Christ appeared.
Activity became a natural thing.
How often have we felt this eager urge
To share our radiant joy when healing came
Through truth that makes men free, the truth that Life
Is God, and man abides in Life secure.
Unharmed and free? Reconsecration, love,
And service wake when phantom bonds are loosed,
Dissolved by Love, and we with gratitude
In freedom rise like her of old to find
A shining joy in simple, homely tasks.