MORE PSALMIC VERSES: Quam delicta # 4

1. How hospitable is the sacred place of pilgrimage, Lord of Pennsylvania mountains and Amish farms!* my soul carries a great weight of longing for what pilgrims in former times have sought,

2. At Mecca, at Jerusalem, or other holy places;* my heart and my whole being resound with Living Silence.

3. Happy are those whose trust is in the healing power of God, * whose hearts are set on the pilgrim’s way.

4. Observe how the pigeons roost above the mighty doors of St. John the Divine, and how the seagulls beg for French fries on Liberty Island, * just as pilgrims are drawn to sacred places, seeking refreshment for their souls.

5. Mirthful and musical are those who walk all the way to South Street in search of Philly Cheesesteaks!* they will never run out of songs and stories.

6. When their paths lead by scenes of desolation at the 9-11 site, * they remember St. Paul’s Chapel, and draw on deep wells of memory and hope.

7. Lord of secret power, hear this prayer; * take notice, God of our future and our past.

8. One day on pilgrimage is better than a thousand spent watching TV at home, * and to cross the threshold of these sacred precincts is worth more than all an empty world can offer.

9. No blessing will be withheld from those who keep faith with such sacred places, * and those whose feet have walked upon the path of wisdom will keep their integrity intact.

10. O Lord of Amish farms and New York subways, * happy are those who have

learned to trust from you.

St. Stephen’s J2A Youth Pilgrimage, July, 2008