‘Look toward him and be radiant’ was John Fisher’s inspiration at the hour of his martyrdom. When he saw the sun shining behind the scaffold, Fisher looked toward Him, who would make him radiant in the beatific vision. This song is for martyrs: the Lord frees them from all their terrors. It is also a song for the small martyrdoms of every day, whether volunteered or accepted. One may be discouraged by one’s failure in past trials, weakness in those of the present, and uncertainty of one’s resistance in the future. Our weapons are always rusting and loose in our hands. The bright and effective sword is in the hand of God alone. There will be no ultimate defeat, not a bone broken for those who are one with the Lamb of our Passover on the Cross.
Let our experience be that of the poor and humble. God is close to those who have no one else to turn to but him. When there is no assurance, God is compelled to care for those to whom He owes fidelity.