It is necessary to boast,
it is not better…
but I will move onto visions and revelations of the Lord.
I know a man- in-Christ
fourteen years ago
-whether in the body I do not know –
– whether out of the body I do not know-
God knows…
this man was taken up to the third heaven
and this man
– whether in the body
or out of the body
I do not know
God knows
was taken up into paradise
and he heard unutterable utterances
which it is not permitted for a person to say.
About such a person I will boast
but I will not boast
except of my weaknesses
For if I might want to boast
I will not be a fool
– for I would be telling the truth
But I will refrain
lest some one credits me
with something
beyond what they see in me
or hear from me,
(on account) of the extraordinary revelations.
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me
Be thou a smooth path below me
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me
Today – tonight -forever
Amen.
St Columba