Christian Art | George Herbert | Sepulchre | The Church | Sinne (1)
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | Sinne (1)
Lord, with what care hast thou begirt us round!
Parents first season us: then schoolmasters
Deliver us to laws; they send us bound
To rules of reason, holy messengers,
Pulpits and sundayes, sorrow dogging sinne,
Afflictions sorted, anguish of all sizes,
Fine nets and stratagems to catch us in,
Bibles laid open, millions of surprises,
Blessings beforehand, tyes of gratefulnesse,
The sound of glorie ringing in our eares:
Without, our shame; within, our consciences;
Angels and grace, eternall hopes and fears.
Yet all these fences and their whole aray
One cunning bosome-sinne blows quite away.
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | Sinne (1)
The poem reflects on the numerous protective measures placed around individuals to guide them toward moral and spiritual growth, only to suggest that a single powerful sin can undo all these efforts. The poem opens by marvelling at the care with which human life is surrounded by formative influences, beginning with parents who ‘season’ or shape their children. This is followed by teachers, who hand them over to the ‘laws’ and ‘rules of reason’. These influences represent a rational, structured upbringing designed to lead a person towards a virtuous and ordered life.
Religious influences play their significant role in this protective framework. ‘Holy messengers’ refer to religious figures such as preachers and priests, who convey spiritual guidance, while ‘pulpits and Sundays’ emphasize the institutional role of the church in instilling moral values. The idea that ‘sorrow dogging sin’ follows from religious teachings suggests roles of guilt, repentance, and remorse in keeping individuals in check, constantly reminding of the consequences of sinful actions.
The imagery becomes quite startlingly vivid as the poet introduces the idea of ‘afflictions sorted, anguish of all sizes’, indicating that suffering and difficulties are tailored to each individual as a form of spiritual correction. These afflictions act as fine ‘nets and stratagems’ designed to ‘catch us in’, further illustrating ways in which life’s trials are meant to trap and redirect individuals away from sinful behaviour and toward salvation.
The use of ‘Bibles laid open’ evokes centrality of scripture in offering guidance, while ‘millions of surprises’ suggests the unpredictability and complexity of life’s challenges, which may serve as further moral tests. Additionally, ‘blessings beforehand’ refers to the divine favours bestowed upon individuals even before they consciously recognize or deserve them, reinforcing the idea of God’s grace. The ‘ties of gratefulness’ represent obligations individuals feel towards their benefactors, both human and divine, for these blessings.
Through the poem, there is a contrast between internal and external forces. ‘Without, our shame; within, our consciences’ points to both the social consequences of sin, such as public disgrace, and the internal moral compass, which also serves as a guiding force. The role of ‘angels and grace’ suggests a supernatural dimension, with angels acting as protectors or guides, while ‘eternal hopes and fears’ reflect ultimate stakes – salvation or damnation.
Despite all these defences and influences, the final couplet dramatically undercuts the thought of effectiveness of this moral and spiritual fortification. ‘Yet all these fences and their whole array’ can be undone by ‘one cunning bosom-sin’. This phrase implies that a single, deeply ingrained personal sin, nurtured secretly within the heart (‘bosom’), can undermine the entire framework of protections. It suggests the precariousness of human virtue, emphasizing that no matter how surrounded an individual is by guidance, their downfall can be swift if they harbour a persistent, unaddressed sin.
The poem presents a meditation on the complex interplay between guidance, protection, and human vulnerability to sin. The poem highlights both such thorough care offered by external and internal moral structures and the fragility of the human condition when faced with a powerful, hidden vice.
Jesus affirmed the commandment against killing and expanded its meaning to include not only the physical act but also the intentions and attitudes of the heart. Jesus taught that harbouring anger, hatred, or holding grudges against others is akin to committing murder in one’s heart (Matthew 5:21-22) [ … ]
In the quiet of the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, experiencing his bond with his Father. Jesus humbly accepted God the Father’s plan, even knowing the suffering ahead. Jesus’ mission was to bring salvation through sacrifice. Jesus cared for his disciples, urging them to pray together for strength. An angel comforted Jesus, expressing divine support. Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us to pray, to seek God’s will and trust in God’s purpose, to find courage in our faith [ … ]
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
