I did not know you,
But I was yours.
And they do not know me
And I do not know them
But they are mine
And I am theirs.
Let no chasm, no river, no drought or storm,
No war, no exodus, no border, natural or constructed,
No device of man nor devil
Come between us
Or halt the love that burns within me,
The grace that flows from you.
Let me think on no man lest I think joyful thoughts of brotherhood,
Let me think on no woman lest I think tender thoughts of sisterhood,
Friend and stranger,
Ally and enemy,
Brothers,
Sisters.
They are mine
And I am theirs,
Because we are yours.
Amen.
(Edward O’Neill Hoyt, Catholic Relief Services)