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Contemplating the Pierced Heart
by Pamela Hayes (1991) 

As we look upon him whom they have pierced, 

we see the pain of love 

vulnerable to the violence of a spear's thrust, tearing open a wound whose lips speak only of love: 

the crucified one lifted up on a tree, 

for God is a lover. 

But beyond, we see the everlasting arms, 

upholding him, enfolding him 

with the tenderness of compassion, 

for the one who knows Jesus 

sees the Father in his heart: 

the wisdom of God lifted up in glory, for God is love.

Yet more, from within that open heart, 

we see the flowing of this love, living waters gushing forth, transparent

and pure, 

teeming with life yet mingled with blood-red wine, 

the fruit of a death-wound 

centred by the point of a lance: 

The Spirit of Love.

As the waters flow, fanned by the Spirit's breath, 

a secret stirring of love flares up into a living flame 

creating a passion of love, 

waters of fire, swirling and leaping,  in tongues 

outreaching, catching fire 

to a world becoming radiant: 

Love creating love.