Poem February 7, 1948 Issue

WOULD YOU CRUCIFY THE CHRIST?

Mary Pride McLaren

He said. "Supposing you were there today,
Would you demand the Christ be crucified?"

In thought I stood within the hall of judgment,
And saw it filled with forms and swaying masses
Crying aloud, "Crucify him, O crucify!"
I saw the rabble of a hidebound creed—
The Pharisee, the Sadducee, the scribe—
The pride, hypocrisy, and vengeance which they
Stood for, demanding that the healing Christ
Be slain, and Barabbas-thoughts set free instead.
Would I be partisan of greed and hate?
Or would I stand with the eternal Christ
And claim the goodness of the Son of God?

He said, "If you would not crucify the Christ,
The true idea of God, which voices only good,
Then you must welcome in all thoughts of love,
Forgiveness, kindness, and a sweet compassion—
Stand last beside the Lamb of God, His image,
Deny all thoughts that would dethrone perfection.
Put not the robber, evil, in his place."

I said, "I love the Christ immaculate. ..."
The tumult stilled, the evil accusations ceased.
My selfhood, real and radiant, free and good,
Shone forth. With joy and glad acclaim the healing came.

Mary Pride McLaren

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