Kilmer: My shoulders ache beneath my pack

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Meditation:
    And being in anguish, [Jesus] prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
    —Luke 22:44 (NIV)
Quotation:
My shoulders ache beneath my pack
(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back).

I march with feet that burn and smart
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).

Men shout at me who may not speak
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek).

I may not lift a hand to clear
My eyes of salty drops that sear.

(When shall my fickle soul forget
The Agony of Bloody Sweat!)

My rifle hand is stiff and numb
(From Thy pierced palms red rivers come).

Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me
Than all the hosts of land and sea.

So let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen.
    ... Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918), Joyce Kilmer: Memoir and Poems, v. I, New York: George H. Doran Company, 1918, p. 109 (see the book)
    See also Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:22-32; Mark 15:12-20
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, strengthen me with the memory of Your suffering.

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