"Mary of Egypt," a poem by Mother Cecilia

On the Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast, we commemorate St. Mary of Egypt, a profound model of repentance. (And Her feast day is April 1.) If you are unfamiliar with the life of St. Mary of Egypt, you can read the full account, recorded by St. Sophronius, here. 

Mary of Egypt -- a poem by Mother Cecilia, April 1, 2019

A sulfuric fire smolders in your flesh

as you stand paralyzed in the doorway.

My pitiful child!—

Out of Egypt I have called you.

Untie these rough, heavy ropes

with which you have enslaved yourself.

Cross the Jordan, and I will give you rest.

Now your coals smoke and hiss

as the Jordan water dries and the sun shrivels you.

My hungry one—

Man does not live by bread alone.

The manna has stopped; I feed you with My Word.

Let your tears flow; be emptied,

as I secretly break the strings that tether you.

Now I give you My eyes, with their light,

to see into man’s heart and love him.

O radiant one!—

Stand up and walk!

Though your old clothes have worn away

and your hair is white as snow,

I have clothed your shame with glory.

Now the man touches your lips with the burning coal—

it slips within and engulfs you completely.

O My Ark!—

Cross the Jordan, and I will give you rest.

The last worn thread is severed,

and though none but a lion roams this land,

your body, all aflame, I will protect and take to Myself.