Oh, Promised Messiah,
born of the Virgin Mary,
who enters the world unexpectedly
as a helpless Child;
help us to grow in humility.

Oh, Son of Mary,
begotten, not made, one in being with the Father,
who grows strong in the faith as a boy;
help us to pursue and find
our own intimate knowledge of God.

Oh, Patient Teacher,
tirelessly sharing Your parables and lessons;
help us to increase our patience
with others and ourselves,
as we grow together in faith and understanding.

Oh, Gentle Shepherd,
faithfully calling Your first disciples,
and filling them with confidence and zeal
to inspire endless ages of believers;
help us to share Your Word and Promise today.

Oh, Paschal Lamb,
who willingly accepts death on a Cross
to atone for our sins;
help us to die to our selfish motives,
so that we may do Your Holy Will.

Oh, Triumphant King of Love,
rising from the dead and
trampling on the gates of hell;
help us to transcend with You,
from death into life.

Oh, Beloved Friend,
who offers the gift of the Holy Spirit to
His disciples still today;
help us to listen for the Spirit on our hearts,
and to know that we are not alone.

Oh, Merciful Savior,
fully human and Divine,
who shares in our history and experience;
help us to become channels of Your Mercy and Love,
freely receiving and sharing these precious gifts.

Oh, Lion of Judah,
ever watchful and vigilant King,
and Goodness beyond our understanding;
help us to be brave and devoted stewards
of the lives entrusted to our care.

Oh, Living God,
who WAS and IS and FOREVER MORE shall be;
call to us from behind the thin Veil that hides Your face,
help us to draw ever nearer to You,
the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Oh, Dearest Jesus,
our joy and help without end;
help us to realize that it is
in God and with God and through God
that we find our everything.

Note: This ode was inspired by Holly Schapker’s interpretation and painting of the “Madonna della Strada,” which is a painting of the Virgin Mary and Jesus enshrined in Rome’s Church of the Gesu. When I look at Holly’s painting, I too see the faces of saints and ordinary people touched by God and His human family. And as my ode expresses, I also see the many ways in which Jesus appears and works within our lives and hearts. Holly Schapker is a fine artist and published author. You can find copies of some of her paintings in her new book titled, Universal Mother: A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary. This beautiful and provocative book is co-authored with Dr. Cecelia Dorger, an art historian and author who specializes in sacred art. I highly recommend their book! I recently heard Dr. Dorger observe that the creation of sacred art is rising again. Thank goodness for that. ♥️

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