Prayer for Christian Unity

I was surprised to read in the missal this morning that the week of prayer for Christian unity includes prayer for the persecuted Church. I've been following the India massacres a little, and came across this apropos poem from Oscar Wilde. It's rather dramatic, but I can sympathize with the human howl he raises--it seems to be a morally superior response to persecution than a yawn.

Oremus.

ON THE MASSACRE OF THE CHRISTIANS IN BULGARIA

Christ, dost Thou live indeed? or are Thy bones
Still straitened in their rock-hewn sepulchre?
And was Thy Rising only dreamed by her
Whose love of Thee for all her sin atones?
For here the air is horrid with men's groans,
The priests who call upon Thy name are slain,
Dost Thou not hear the bitter wail of pain
From those whose children lie upon the stones?
Come down, O Son of God! incestuous gloom
Curtains the land, and through the starless night
Over Thy Cross a Crescent moon I see!
If Thou in very truth didst burst the tomb
Come down, O Son of Man! and show Thy might
Lest Mahomet be crowned instead of Thee!

~Oscar Wilde