


"Lead, kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.” (See below for full text.) *

This poem is appropriate for our times since we all struggle with various burdens. We may feel lost due to illness, lack of certainty in our economic situation, betrayal by a friend or family member, being misunderstood for a stand we have taken (particularly if it is for our faith), or a sense that we do not fit in for whatever reason; these are all serious burdens. We may worry about the state of domestic or international politics, injustices in the legal system or in the world at large; we may be concerned about our own choices, or perhaps we have lost our spiritual compass and feel far from God. Even if we are in a time of prosperity and happiness, if we are truly living the Christian life, we are not oblivious to the needs of others both in the wider world and in our own personal sphere, and thus we are carrying a burden. Therefore we can learn greater hope from Newman’s words, even praying the poem: “Lead, Kindly Light, amidst the circling gloom. Lead Thou me on!”


May we rely on the sacramental graces given to us by God! May we always hope in the promises of Christ! May we have confidence in the presence of God in the midst of the darkness when we are in search of His light! May we help lead others to Jesus through the living of our faith, hope, and love! And may we take one step at a time, trusting in the guidance and never-failing love of God! Let us continue to meet in the heart of Jesus! Peace!
©Michele L. Catanese
Notes: Next post, July 2.
* Here is the entire poem, The Pillar of the Cloud, commonly known as Lead Kindly Light, by Bl. John Henry Newman. (1833)
Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.
- More on the poem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead,_Kindly_Light
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3668066/The-story-behind-the-hymn.html
- A wonderful original version of Lead Kindly Light, sung by Audrey Assad, a Christian musician: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g2xe7RlD9k
** A short biography of Bl. John Henry Newman: http://www.birminghamoratory.org.uk/oratorian-saints/blessed-john-henry-newman/
Images:
1. This is one of my photos of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi. I added the golden hue for dramatic effect. I chose it because it depicts the light coming out of the gloom of the clouds.
2. This is an icon by Fr. William Hart McNichols, simply called Blessed John Henry Newman. He gave the original to me as a gift, and it is especially beloved. You can purchase a copy of it in one of many mediums at http://frbillmcnichols-sacredimages.com/featured/blessed-cardinal-john-henry-newman-221-william-hart-mcnichols.html.
3. This is called Wheatfield with Cypress painted by Vincent Van Gogh in 1889. No one does clouds like Van Gogh! Enough said.
4. Another of my photos: This rainbow formed after a brief storm in Kaikoura, New Zealand, (south island). It brought to mind the rainbow, the sign of God's covenant with Noah and the people, which ensured God's protection and enduring love.
5. I took this photo on the north island of New Zealand. It is one of the famous Kauri trees. I chose this photo because the majestic tree brought to mind the strength of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
6. I took this photo in the gardens of Larnach Castle in Dunedin, New Zealand (south island). I chose to use it here because gardens always speak to me of life and hope.
Finally, a big "thank you" to Lesley for assistance with a grammatical issue.
NOTE: In compliance with GDPR rules, I wish to make it clear that I do not gather any information on any of my readers at any time.