Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lines To The Blessed Sacrament" is a religious poem written by Irish poet Jeremiah Joseph Callanan. The poem reflects the speaker's deep devotion and sense of awe before the presence of the divine, represented here by the Eucharistic bread (the "mystic semblance") in the Catholic tradition.

The speaker begins by acknowledging their past sins and expressing wonder and fear at the thought of encountering God, their "sin-avenging" judge and creator. The individual feels unworthy, asking whether they, who walked in "the ways of darkness," are fit to approach God so directly.

Yet the speaker is drawn to God, acknowledging that if they dare to stand among God's pure ones, it's because of God's command. They express their intention to bring their sorrows, fears, and regret before God, symbolically kissing God's feet in silent contrition.

The third stanza recalls a moment of desperation and near despair, presumably the moment of their sinful past. They thank God for His mercy, which saved them when they felt they were drowning in sin and pain, on the brink of death, and devoid of hope.

In the final stanza, the speaker hears the voice of their Saviour, inviting them to find peace and rest in Him. They respond by turning away from their past sinful life, towards God, their source of life and salvation.

In essence, the poem is a heartfelt exploration of repentance, divine mercy, and the transformative power of faith. It employs rich religious imagery and personal introspection to convey a sense of spiritual struggle, despair, and eventual hope and consolation in the mercy of God.

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