Three Were There
One of our Sisters was inspired recently to write a poem about the “inner circle” within the Apostles — Peter, James, and John — who witnessed some of the most important events in Jesus’ life. She was especially drawn to ponder what St. John, the youngest Apostle, was thinking as he experienced the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration, and the Agony in the Garden. Was he remembering any of these experiences as he stood beneath the Cross? We hope you enjoy reading Sister’s poetic musings on these questions!
Three Were There
Three were there
When He entered the room
Drove out crowds, closed the door,
And stood in the gloom.
Three were there
When He took that dead hand,
Whispered “Talitha cum,”
And then bade the girl stand.
I was there
And I wondered in awe —
If death should obey Him,
He’s more than I’d thought.
Three were there
When the mountain He climbed
And stood on the summit
In light that could blind.
Three were there
When the Prophets and Law
Both witnessed and worshiped
While earth stood in awe.
I was there
As the glory dispersed,
But I gazed on His face
With more wonder than at first.
Three were there
As the Hour drew near
And they heard His strange pleading
And saw His strange fear.
Three were there
When He cried out in pain
As He found them asleep
And departed again.
I was there
Who reclined on His Heart
Who should have stayed with Him …
But Fear played my part.
Three were there,
But not the same Three
When He suffered the nails
And hung on the Tree.
Three were there
Knowing not what to say
As they watched their dreams die
On that strange, dark midday.
I was there –
I alone of the Three
I had run, but returned
And He gave her to me.
Crucifix in our main chapel; photo by Steve Hermann