Where is Love?

I've wondered all my life where love could be
I've searched the highest mountains and the seas
I've travelled in the meadow, seen the flowers
But never found where love could be.
I've looked into the eyes of peoples' faces
I've wondered if it's there that love is found
I've searched their hearts and given mine completely
But that only left me empty and bound.
Perhaps, I thought, this love is deep inside
And I could draw it out if I really tried.
So I practised Zen and looked within
But never found where love resides.
Some say that love is found in works of service
In helping those in need to truly live
So I set myself to serving and to helping
But only found I'd nothing left to give.
The night was cold and blue just like my heart
I wandered in the church and looked around
The tabernacle light was warm and gentle
And made me feel like kneeling down.
Lord, I said, why is it love escapes me?
I've looked and looked but never found its source
And in the silent peace that soon came over me
I knew at last where love could be.
His Holy Presence there had waited for me
A Eucharistic Love of peace and joy
And from this moment on my heart was full again
And never asked again where love could be.

~ Father Barry Martinson ~