Sublime

To Keep a True Lent Is this a fast, to keep The larder lean? And clean From fat of veals, and sheep? Is it to quit the dish Of flesh, yet still To fill The platter high with fish? Is it to fast an hour, Or ragged go, Or show A downcast look, and sour? No: ’tis a fast, to dole Thy sheaf of wheat, And meat, Unto the hungry soul. It is to fast from st... See more

We do not attain anything by our own holiness but by ten thousand surrenders to mercy. A lifetime of received forgiveness allows us to become mercy. Mercy becomes our energy, our meaning. Perhaps we are finally enlightened and free when we can both receive mercy and give it away—without payment or punishment.