13 April 2008
Guest Blog by Sharon Anderson 4/13/2008
Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Guest Blogger .
What a blessing it is to have one day in seven to rest from the labors of the week and the cares of the world! With that thought in mind, I would like to share the following poem about a miracle that Christ performed on the Sabbath Day.
Standing Before Carl Bloch’s Painting
Christ Healing the Sick
at the Pool of Bethesda
In the House of Mercy,
Compassion, larger than life,
more powerful than
angel-troubled waters,
lifts the veil of illness,
impotence, strengthens
heart and legs, and
after thirty-eight infirm years,
makes them whole.In Sabbath grace
Thou callest me
from my multitude of fears
to come from beneath
the cover of disbelief
into Thy healing light.
Heeding Thy command,
Rise, take up thy bed,
I will walk.Sharon Price Anderson
Seeing Bloch’s painting a few years ago inspired me to find words to express some ideas that I had long considered about the parallels between spiritual and physical healing. The original painting is about 8 ft high and was acquired by the BYU Museum of Art in 2001 where it is now on permanent display. Bethesda means “house of mercy” or “house of grace.” It was an honor to have this poem published in the October 2007 Ensign.
May each of you feel the Lord’s love today.
6 Comments so far...
Benjamin Says:
13 April 2008 at 9:36 am.
I loved the poem. I’m not surprised it was in the Ensign. Nice touch for Sunday.
Hank Says:
13 April 2008 at 10:20 am.
I just got back from early mass. This was a nice thing to read to keep that mood.
E.E. Says:
13 April 2008 at 11:26 am.
Sharon, that is a beautiful poem. The spiritual explanation makes it mean a lot more. Thank you.
Carrie Says:
13 April 2008 at 5:30 pm.
I know what you mean Hank. I just got home from church and this is such a nice thing for Sunday. I looked it up in the Oct. issue and there was Sharon. That is sweet.
T. Fan Says:
13 April 2008 at 5:43 pm.
This is what I needed about now. To be called from my multitude of fears and be healed by His light. The turmoil in the world is rough and I need to remember to have faith and lean on the Lord. This applies very well. Thank you.
Sid Says:
13 April 2008 at 6:27 pm.
Very interesting to learn what Bethesda means. Nice poem. I’m not too much for reading poetry usually but I liked this.
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