A poetic tribute to Archbishop Lefebvre, who despite the crisis that raged around him "like a lion seeking those to devour" nonetheless typically bore a calm and serene smile which seemed to say: "never fear, Christ is with us!"
The author’s inspiration for this poem came from video footage of Archbishop Lefebvre: The Documentary. In the author's own words:
A momentary image stayed with me of the good bishop’s smile. What impressed me most was a subtle element of deep and universal concern which seems etched upon his countenance—a countenance complacent and serene; meaning: that which belongs to a character embodying unmovable Christian peace; which (to the keen-observer), when Marcel’s lips are seen to smile, the camera momentarily caught a light dancing within Marcel’s eyes—Truly the ‘Light of Christ’: indescribable; supernal; unfathomable, mysterious (being human and divine)!"
There is something in his smile
There is something in his smile that reassures:
A constant proof, that God’s Love shineth clear.
It loves the sinner, though it sin abhors—
There is something in his smile!
A secret joy dances beyond the shores
Of his wise guileless eyes, exceeding fair—
There is something in his smile that reassures:
A constant proof, that God’s Love shineth clear.
The while “the devil like a lion roars”,
There is something in his smile that reassures
The faltering pilgrim-soul that Heaven’s Stores
Are Opulent and Real, and True, and Near—
There is something in his smile...
A constant proof, that God’s Love shineth clear;
A divine pity in his face, each fleshen heart adores...
There is something in his smile.
It plays about his lips. It owns no earthly cause;
And there within his eyes, the World Austere...
Is fair—For something in his smile reassures:
A constant proof, that God’s Love shineth clear!
If you would emulate that smile, would Love pursue:
Don’t worry,[1] pray; and learn... to let the Lord God live in you!
- [1]. I.e., trust in God.
