"One of you shall betray me," said Jesus.
And each was sorrowful and asked,
"Lord, is it I?"
That was the right way.
No profit to look at a brother, wondering, "Is it he?"
But each into his own heart. That is the right way.
Vigilance!
To be watchful in thought's most intimate sanctuary;
Searching motives with clear-sighted and honest humility,
Loving the Christ, not with surface emotionalism,
But with strong, incisive, transforming power of sincerity.
"Lord, is it I?"
Not to be queried once and for all
In flash of repentance or sudden apprehension;
Not to be answered lightly, with easy assurance,
Because—on the face of it—there is nothing to be ashamed of.
"Lord, is it I?"
Pungent, persistent self-searching,
Stirring of latent errors to dissolution;
Transferring allegiance steadily to the side of Spirit;
Purifying deeds;
Purifying more especially the thinking that powers deeds;
Releasing sealed fountains of practical loving in living.
This is to gather together in holy communion.
This is not to crucify our Lord.
