If, Lord, Thy love for me is strong
As this which binds me unto thee,
What holds me from thee Lord so long,
What holds thee Lord so long from me?
O soul, what then desirest thou?
Lord I would see thee, who thus choose thee.
What fears can yet assail thee now?
All that I fear is but lose thee.
Love’s whole possession I entreat,
Lord make my soul thine own abode,
And I will build a nest so sweet
It may not be too poor for God.
A soul in God hidden from sin,
What more desires for thee remain,
Save but to love again,
And all on flame with love within,
Love on, and turn to love again.
Images above by Sally Markell — Top (and front-page mastheads): “The Last Night In Eygpt;” Middle: Montage (Rose, Corn, Maple Leaf, and Onions with collage of St. Teresa of Avila in the center); Bottom: “Hadassah Becoming Esther.”
Words above by St Teresa Avila (Translated by by Arthur Symons (1865-1945) , from Cities and Sea-Coasts and Islands, published 1918)