Poem September 14, 1957 Issue

THE MORNING MEAL

John 21:1–17

Katharine B. Moore

The fishers toiled in vain that troubled night,
with empty net, and dark, foreboding dread,
yearning for their Lord, their hearts contrite.
How strange they did not know
the man who told them to recast their net
which soon would overflow!
But when he welcomed them on shore and led
them to a feast, in wondering delight
they ate and knew it was the Master's bread.
Then Jesus spoke of love which only might
be proved if faithfully his lambs are fed.
Upon the ship's right side
we too must cast to find our nets Love-filled,
to know that we abide
in sacred presence of our God. At dawn
in steadfast prayer we find Christ, Truth, each day.
Not seeking rest in apathetic sleep,
we wake and gain true strength, from Spirit drawn.
Restored, we gladly hasten to obey:
to share the morning meal; to feed his sheep.