|
HERE I AM, LORD
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have
heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand
will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I
will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom
shall I send?
Refrain
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I
have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I
will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have
borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them. They
turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom
shall I send? (Refrain)
I, the Lord of wind and flame, I
will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them. My hand
will save.
Finest bread I will provide, till
their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom
shall I send? (Refrain)
Text: Daniel L.
Schutte, b. 1946
Used by permission.
© 1981 OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo,
Portland, OR 97213 All rights reserved.
This hymn took on
special meaning almost 19 years ago when our nephew, Michael, was
ordained as a priest. He chose it for his first mass. His mother, my
husband’s sister, died of cancer when Mike was only 15 years old.
Her deep and passionate faith had a profound and lasting influence
on him. He had responded to our Lord’s call and dedicated his life
to serving. We felt joy and happiness for him as he began his
ministry.
God calls us to
serve him in many ways, using our varied gifts to reach out to
others. Do you ever awaken in the night thinking about someone who
is in need of help? The next morning you may feel that you should
take some kind of action, but you lack the confidence to do anything
on your own. Just remember that our Lord will always lead you, if
you will only ask and reach out to him.
The words of this
hymn inspire me to try to be more aware of the needs of others and
be willing to help — to say, “Here I am Lord. Send me!”
Lord, help us
be open to hearing your call and willing to serve in your holy name.
Barbara Lee
|
