The Mary of the Gospel days,
With tear-filled eyes and aching heart,
Looked down into the sepulcher
To seek her Lord, and found him not.
Then turning hopelessly away
She hardly saw the figure near,
Nor recognized the voice that spoke,
Until her name was gently called
In those sweet tones she knew so well.
Then looking up—oh, wondrous joy—
She saw the Saviour standing there.
Fain would she hold him still on earth,
But he had risen to higher realms
Of thought. She too must rise, and learn
By sacrifice, obedience, love,
To look beyond the human friend,
And journey forth to tread the path
Of selfless service, finding there
The way to endless life and bliss.
How often now we too look down,
Thinking the best that earth can give
Has left us, and we are alone.
Yet not alone, as Jesus said,
The Father dear is with us still.
And faithfully we too must tread
The path of selfless sacrifice,
Sharing God-gifts with those who long
For comfort, health, and happiness.
And, doing this, we find the Christ,
The deathless Saviour of the world.
