O SHEPHERD
O SHEPHERD, I convulse under the veil of guilt. The remembrance of my evil shames me. Pierce the iron web suffocating my heart. Rescue me from the abyss of self-loathing and clothe my shameful nakedness. Lamb of God, take away my sin!
PURIFY MY soul in your justice, O Lord. Steady my failing steps. Make holy my humanity. Anoint my wounds with love, my Saviour, and wreathe my head with golden truth. O Lamb standing as though slain, I taste your love in my heart. I dream of the verdant pasture and the running stream.
O SHEPHERD of souls, I hear your voice. I hear you knocking at the door. In the shelter of your name, I make an altar. In the sacrifice of your love, I savor true food. In your great kingship, I find my courage. Come into my heart, O Shepherd, and have supper with me! Yours is the flesh! Yours is the blood!
[cf. Ordinary Time Week 18 Year A]
© Richard E. Barker 2007