THE BEAUTIFUL HANDS OF A PRIEST

We need them in life’s early morning,

we need them again at its close;

We feel their warm clasp of true friendship,

we seek them when tasting life’s woes.

At the altar each day we behold them,

and the hands of a king on his throne

are not equal to them in their greatness;

their dignity stands all alone.

And when we are tempted and wander

through pathways of shame and of sin,

the hand of a priest will absolve usnot

once, but again and again.

Now when we are taking life’s partner,

other hands may prepare us a feast,

But the hand that will bless and unite us

is the beautiful hand of a priest.

God bless them and keep them all holy

for the Host which their fingers caress;

What can a poor sinner do better

than to ask Him, “who chose thee to bless?”

When the hour of death comes upon us

may our courage and strength be increased,

By seeing raised over us in blessing

the beautiful hands of a priest!

Very Rev. Canon Tom