Moonless Darkness Stands Between

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Moonless darkness stands between.
Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;
Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;
Now beginning, and alway:
Now begin, on Christmas day.

This poetic prayer speaks to the intent of Christian by Practice. One who encounters Christ does not merely give detached approval. Rather upon arrival at the scene, the former life having been abandoned and forgotten, the divine encounter leads to prayer for transformation into his humble likeness.

May our contemplative prayers contribute to our conversion as well.