ANOINTED FOR THE NARROW WAY: AN ODE TO BAPTISM

                                                                                                                                        Freepik

At waters blessed, the soul made new,
In grace reborn, in life made true,
The sacred chrism gently laid,
Marks one in Christ, no more afraid.

A priest to offer heart and days,
In sacrifice of love and praise;
A prophet called good news to sing,
A witness true to Christ the King.

A king - not robed in earthly might,
But crowned through service, just and right;
To rule the self, to sin deny,
And lift the lowly, passing by.

Above, the Dove in silence stays,
And hovers soft in holy rays,
Calling the soul to heights untrod,
To walk the narrow path with God.

For wide the road that lures the lost,
With ease and comfort, void of cost;
Yet narrow lies the rugged way,
Where thorns may crown the pilgrim’s day.

Still onward goes the faithful heart,
Though stones may wound and tears may start;
For just ahead, though faint and worn,
Are prints where Christ’s own Feet have gone.

No step is taken all alone,
For countless souls are likewise known - 
Each bears a cross, both great and small,
Yet walks in hope that binds them all.

Through shadowed vale and trial severe,
A light unseen is drawing near;
For as the Lord from death arose,
So shall we rise from earthly woes.

Illumined bright in heaven’s grace,
Transfigured in the Saviour’s Face,
New-born creations, cleansed and free,
To dwell in love eternally.

Image courtesy of Freepik and CN Whittle "Priest, prophet and king, to God's baptismal grace sing"