Empty the tomb,
The wrappings set aside.
No Body to be found,
Faith in triumph shouts.
It is Easter dawn.
Joy spills or’ heaven’s ledge
As sun rises to high heaven.
Hope blankets earth’s face.
Love penetrates its depth.
A people, newborn,
Called forth to be light.
Witnesses stand forth,
Wrapped about in wedding garb,
They go forth to meet the Groom.
Sonrise in High Heaven!
© 2014 Joann Nelander
O, Magnificent One,
O, Magnanimous One,
O, Adorable One,
In the splendor of Your Godhead,
You stoop to lift me.
As Father, You gently raise me,
To plant Your kiss.
You span the distance between us.
Your overcome the flesh, the world and Evil, itself,
In the humility of the Cross.
You paid the price of my son-ship.
Knowing Yourself from eternity,
Eternally begetting the Son.
You planned to make humanity holy
By the Spirit of Jesus, Your Only Son.
O, Magnificent One,
O, Magnanimous One,
O, Adorable One,
As You breathe forth Your Spirit,
I gasp and hold fast that Sacred Breath.
All that I need,
All that is good,
You bring to me in this Eucharist.
Help me to desire,
All that You want to give me.
Open my eyes,
To see myself as You see me,
And long for You all the more.
I abandon myself to You,
That You may make me holy,
And do everything for me,
By Your limitless grace.
© 2017 Joann Nelander
All that I need,
All that is good,
You bring to me in this Eucharist.
Help me to desire,
All that You want to give me.
Open my eyes,
To see myself as You see me,
And long for You all the more.
I abandon myself to You,
That You may make me holy,
And do everything for me,
By Your limitless grace.
© 2017 Joann Nelander
I left You long ago,
To wander in a world of choices,
Bombarded by alluring voices.
I left at home
All cords that bound,
Proudly casting off all staked to holy ground.
I soared mounting the wind,
On Icharus’ wings waxed proud,
‘Til sun and heat spoke Truth aloud.
I left You long ago.
Now in swift descent I fall,
Humbled, hoping to be caught by Lord of All.
Be Holy! 