Ave Maria
by Rhynnah S Bayne
I wrote the following poem while in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Coming from a background of nondenominational Christianity, the Church's teachings on Mary were very difficult for me to grasp. I read and reread the Bible. Fretted and fussed at God. Argued with the Capuchin brother who taught our class. It didn't work.
Eventually though, I came around to the Church's viewpoint. This was partially because I wrote and reflected on Mary's role in the life of her Son. Most of it was pure grace.
This poem is an example of what I wrote during and after these reflections.
Ave Maria
"Hail, Mary, full of grace,"
When I speak, the Virgin's face
Kindles in me an awesome thirst
For the faith
in God which Mary nursed.
"Blessed are thou amongst women"
She is purified and without sin
To house the Word made human flesh,
The
monstrance where Deity and mortal mesh.
"Blessed is the fruit of thy womb"
Blest from dawn of life to dark of
tomb,
Son of God and your Son, the
same...
We bless, in union with you, His
name
"Jesus."
"Holy Mary, Mother of God,"
This title, of them all, most harshly
trod
Upon the head of the Serpent who ever
sought
To destroy thy Son but came to
nought.
"Pray for us sinners, now,"
Queen of Heaven, we before thee
bow
And ask that you might intercede
With your Son for every human need.
"And at the hour of our Death."
When comes the moment of our last
breath,
Your prayers with ours approach the
Throne
As we, in company of angels, come
home.
"Amen."
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