Luke 2: 35

Some men have swords with which to fight

              To gain their carnal goals.

The mortal body they will smite,

              But God has swords for souls.

Like Mary, among women blessed

              And favored of the Lord,

The servants we esteem the best

              Have felt God’s piercing sword.

The swords which cut the souls of men

              God uses for our weal.

He smites but to bind up again

              And wounds that He may heal.

For God, when He ordains to slay,

              Is skillful with the knife;

He wounds us not to take away

              But give abundant life.