Twenty-Third Meditation

(The Dark Night, book II: chapter 19-20)

"Jacob left Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place, and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it" (49)

The Ladder of Love

Ev'rything seems like a waste;
All that's not God has lost its taste.

Oh, where is He, my Lord so fair?
I'm still searching -- He's here, but where?

These countless works I'll offer Him;
But who am I -- my light's so dim!

For Him, I'll cross the desert first;
Without regard for heat or thirst.

This thirst for Him burns in my breast.
Hurry, my Lord! I cannot rest.

I'll sprint to Him with greatest speed;
He is my strength; on Him I feed!

My love for Him's bold and daring;
This flame within burns with flaring.

I'm in His arms; to Him I cleave;
In this embrace, how can I leave?

My soul's consumed beneath His flame;
Log and fire are now the same.

The pure in heart behold His face;
My soul exists in His embrace.

May the Lord of love draw us and guide us in our ascent to Him.

49. Genesis 28: 10-13a

(c) Paul Buis, 2004