beyond the reach of suffering

Lord, you take me beyond the reach of suffering.

You have taken me to a sphere beyond death itself.

I look down on all creation and bask in its peace.

Dear Christ, how did you bring me to this wonderful place?

You embraced me, and carried me here in your arms.

Your beauty swept my heart and soul upwards,

Taking me out of myself and out of my natural senses.

Once I felt I was melting under the hear of anguish.

Once all hope of happiness had left me.

Now I melt under the heat of your warm joy,

And my present bliss excludes even the memory of past misery.

You have stripped me of my former self. O Christ,

And you have dressed me in your holy self.

My soul wears the garment of your eternal glory.

My body wears the indelible mark of your blessing.

I am drowning in ecstasy.

Jacopone Da Todi, c. 1230 – 1306, Italian Franciscan friar

________________

Psalm 118:17-21

I will not die but live,

and will proclaim what the Lord has done.

The Lord has chastened me severely,

but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of the righteous;

I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord

through which the righteous may enter.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me;

you have become my salvation.

prayer & verse