O Young and Fearless Prophet

O young and fearless Prophet
of ancient Galilee,
your life is still a summons
to serve humanity;
to make our thoughts and actions
less prone to please the crowd,
to stand with humble courage
for truth with hearts uncowed.

We marvel at the purpose
that held you to your course
while ever on the hilltop
before you loomed the cross;
your steadfast face set forward
where love and duty shone,
while we betray so quickly
and leave you there alone.

O help us stand unswerving
against war's bloody way,
where hate and lust and falsehood
hold back Christ's holy sway;
forbid false love of country
that keeps us from your call,
you lift above the nations
the unity of all.

Stir up in us a protest
against our greed for wealth,
while others starve and hunger
and plead for work and health;
where homes with little children
cry out for lack of bread,
who live their years sore burdened
beneath a gloomy dread.

O young and fearless Prophet,
we need your presence here,
amid our pride and glory
to see your face appear;
once more to hear your challenge
above our noisy day,
again to lead us forward
along God's holy way.