Taylor: Tongues of fire from heaven descend

Sunday, May 23, 2021
    Pentecost
    Commemoration of Petroc, Abbot of Padstow, 6th century
Meditation:
    For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
    —1 Corinthians 1:5-7 (NIV)
Quotation:
    Tongues of fire from heaven descend
    With a mighty rushing wind,
        To blow it up and make
                A living fire
    Of heav’nly charity, and pure desire,
    Where they their residence should take.
    On the apostles’ sacred heads they sit;
    Who now, like beacons, do proclaim and tell
    Th’ invasion of the host of hell;
        And give men warning to defend
    Themselves from the enraged brunt of it.
    Lord, let the flames of holy charity,
        And all her gifts and graces, slide
         Into our hearts, and there abide;
    That thus refined, we may soar above
    With it unto the element of love,
            Even unto thee, dear Spirit,—
    And there eternal peace and rest inherit.
    ... Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667), from “Festival Hymns”, in The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D.D., v. XV, London: Ogle, Duncan & Co., 1822, p. 89 (see the book)
    See also 1 Cor. 1:5-7; Acts 2:1-4,14-18; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Jas. 1:17; 1 Pet. 4:10
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, we praise You as the giver of gifts. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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