I want to share with you what is labeled as β€œA Hymn to God the Father.” It was written by John
Donne. I am not certain if it is a poem or, truly, a hymn to be sung. Regardless, in the shadow the
empty tomb, I find it relevant. Read it slowly. Read it contemplatively (ponder and meditate on
what it is saying.). It reads as follows:


Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which is my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive those sins through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done before,
For I have more.


Wilt Thou forgive that sin by which I won
Others to sin? And my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou has not done,
For I have more.


I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy son
Shall shine as He shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, Thou hast done,
I fear no more.


In the shadow of the empty tomb, living in the reality of the resurrection, we have nothing to
fear, we fear no more. His resurrection affirmed, confirmed, sealed His power to forgive every
sin in your life – every sin in my life. Jesus would say, shortly before His ascension, β€œAll
authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” The authority of which he speaks has to do
with His power over the grave; over Satan; over our sin. Because of that authority, He sets before
us the purpose of His Church – the purpose of this church (Faith LC). β€œGo, therefore, and make
disciples!”


This is what we are to do as our faithful response to His resurrection! We reach up to Him for
power. We reach out to others with His forgiveness. He forgives anew. He forgives again, and
again and again as we deal with our unconquerable sins and debilitating doubts. It is called β€œThe
furious love of God!” We are the objects of that love. The resurrection proves it. The only way
for others to know this love is through us. God does not do His stuff in a vacuum. He uses
people; His Church; us. The aim for all is singular. The last stanza says it all:


I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy son
Shall shine as He shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, Thou hast done,
I fear no more.


Until next month,
PTK