by St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Monstrance Borne by Angels, Giacinto Calandrucci, ca. 1670
O little key! I envy thee,
For thou canst ope, at any hour,
The Eucharistic prison-house,
Where dwells the God of Love and Power.
And yet — Oh, tender mystery! —
One effort of my faith alone
Unlocks the tabernacle door,
And hides me there with Christ my Own.
O lamp within the holy place,
Whose mystic lights forever shine!
I fain would burn with fires of love
As bright, before my God and thine.
Yet, miracle of wondrous bliss!
Such flames are mine; and, day by day,
I can win souls to Jesus Christ,
To burn with His pure love for aye.
O consecrated altar-stone!
I envy thee with every morn.
As once in Bethlehem’s blessed shed,
The Eternal Word on thee is born.
Yet, gentle Saviour! hear my plea;
Enter my heart, O Lord divine!
’Tis no cold stone I offer Thee,
Who dost desire this heart of mine!
O corporal that angels guard!
What envy of thee fills my breast!
On thee, as in His swaddling bands,
I see my only Treasure rest.
Ah Virgin Mother! change my heart
Into a corporal pure and fair,
Whereon the snow-white Host may rest,
And thy meek Lamb find shelter there.
O holy paten! Jesus makes
Of Thee His sacramental throne.
Ah! if He would abase Himself,
To dwell awhile with me alone!
Jesus fulfils my longing hope,
Nor must I wait until I die; —
He comes to me! He lives in me!
His ostensorium am I!
The chalice, too, I fain would be,
Where I adore the Blood divine!
Yet, at the holy sacrifice,
That Precious Blood each day is mine.
More dear to Jesus is my soul,
Than chalices of gold could be;
His altar is a Calvary new,
Whereon His Blood still flows for me.
Only one little bunch of grapes
That gladly disappears for Thee,
O Jesus, holy, heavenly Vine!
Thou knowest I rejoice to be.
Beneath the pressure of the cross,
I prove my love for Thee alway;
And ask no other joy than this, —
To immolate myself each day!
Among the grains of purest wheat,
O happy lot! He chooses me.
We lose our life for Him, the Christ, —
What rapturous height of ecstasy!
Thy spouse am I, Thy chosen one.
My Well-Beloved! Come, dwell in me.
Thy beauty wins my heart. Oh, come!
Deign to transform me into Thee!
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, was a French Discalced Carmelite Nun who became a Doctor of the Church. She died at the very young age of 24, and is known for her “Little Way,” which emphasizes love and simplicity. This poem was written in October of 1896. This version was translated from French by S. L. Emery.
You can find more of St. Thérèse’s poetry by clicking here or purchase a collection of her poems at this affiliate link.