Night in the Garden

By Bishop Jerry Ogles

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. John 18:

 

 

Out of the darkest Halls of Hell

Came the marchers with torches raised.

Into the Garden quiet and still

They wandered forlorn and crazed.

 

Up to the Sovereign Lord of Love

Their spears shining bright in the mist

With arrogant air and a hateful shove

They took Him who wouldn’t resist.

 

Now to the head of Scribe and Priest

Was the Savior led that night,

And to Herod’s Court and Pilate’s Seat

Where Right gave way to the Night.

 

To the craggy heights of the Lonely Skull

They took Him and laid Him down

And into His Hands of Love they drove

Iron spikes with a terrible Sound!

 

On His Brow a thorny Crown He wore

And His flesh was torn and bruised.

His Heart of Grace grew cold and sore

As the Spirit of Life was loosed.

 

The world of woe a Hope has found

In the Promise made sure by His Death

And the Saints of God with Faith abound

In the Fields that their Lord has blessed!

                                                   AMEN