164. The Peace Not Past Our Understanding

1 The peace not past our understanding
falls like light upon the soft white tablecloth
at winter supper warm between four walls,
a thing too simple to be tried as truth.

2 Not scholar’s calm, nor gift of church or state,
nor everlasting date of death’s release;
but careless noon, the houses lighted late,
harvest and holiday: the people’s peace.

3 Days into years, the doorways worn at sill,
years into lives, the plans for long increase
come true at last for those of God’s good will:
these are the things we mean by saying, Peace.

Text Information
First Line: The peace not past our understanding
Title: The Peace Not Past Our Understanding
Author: John Holmes, 1904-1962
Meter: 10.10.10.10.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1993
Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Peace; Serenity
Tune Information
Name: SURSUM CORDA
Composer: Alfred Morton Smith, 1879-1971
Meter: 10.10.10.10.
Key: D Major
Copyright: © Church of the Ascension, Atlantic City, New Jersey



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