Only One Life

"We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them."Robert Moffatt

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

C.T. Studd

Easter!

I loved this piece when I found it on Catholic Culture and it caused quite a stir when it went up in parts on my facebook. Here it is complete. As a convert to Catholicsm, I am thrilled at the rich treasures of the Church. What a wonderful, wonderful piece to dwell on for the Easter season.


Ad regias Agni dapes (At the Lamb's High Feast)
In this 7th century hymn there is a reference to the ancient custom of administering to catechumens the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Originally there was no Mass on Holy Saturday proper. The long but beautiful ceremonies began Saturday evening and lasted throughout the night. The Litany and Mass were sung towards morning. During Mass the neophytes, vested in beautiful white robes, were admitted for the first time to the "banquet of the Lamb," i.e., to the Eucharistic table. The white garments were worn during the week following Easter, and on Low Sunday the newly baptized appeared for the first time without their white robes.

At the Lamb's high feast we sing Praise to our victorious King, Who hath washed us in the tide Flowing from His pierced side।

Praise we Him whose love divine Gives the guests His Blood for wine, Gives His Body for the feast, Love the victim, love the priest.

Where the Paschal blood poured, Death's dark Angel sheathes his sword; Israel's hosts triumphant go Through the wave that drowns the foe.

Christ, the Lamb whose Blood was shed, Paschal victim, Paschal bread; With sincerity and love Eat we manna from above.

Mighty Victim from the sky, Powers of hell beneath Thee lie; Death is conquered in the fight; Thou hast brought us life and light.

Now Thy banner Thou dost wave; Vanquished Satan and the grave; Angels join His praise to tell— See o'erthrown the prince of hell.

Paschal triumph, Paschal joy, Only sin can this destroy; From the death of sin set free, Souls re-born, dear Lord, in Thee,

Hymns of glory, songs of praise, Father, unto Thee we raise; Risen Lord, all praise to Thee, Ever with the Spirit be.

Source: Hymns of the Breviary and Missal by Matthew Britt, Benziger Brothers, 1922