This is another of those readings that makes an appearance during Lent. (Something must have inspired me to blog about this today, because this just happens to be the first reading at Mass tomorrow!) It’s yet another passage that reminds us of the awesome power of God, and the love he has for his creation. It’s a Genesis, Exodus, and Easter story all wrapped up in one: God brings forth life from the lifeless, and inspires us with his spirit.
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee do go, Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery. Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell, And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then? One short sleep past, we wake eternally And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die. Holy Sonnets: Death, be not proud John Donne