Herbert: It's true we cannot reach

February 27, 2009
    Feast of George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633

Meditation:
    At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
    -- Mark 1:12,13 (NIV)

Quotation:
    It's true we cannot reach Christ's forti'th day
    Yet to go part of that religious way
        Is better than to rest:
    We cannot reach our Savior's purity;
    Yet we are bid, 'Be holy ev'n as He':
        In both let's do our best.

    Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone
    Is much more sure to meet with Him than one
        That traveleth by-ways;
    Perhaps my God, though He be far before,
    May turn, and take me by the hand, and more,
        May strengthen my decays.

    Yet, Lord, instruct us to improve our fast
    By starving sin, and taking such repast
        As may our faults control;
    That ev'ry man may revel at his door,
    Not in his parlor--banqueting the poor,
        And among those, his soul.
    ... George Herbert (1593-1633)

Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, may my sin be starved out of me.