Lyrics and Longings

How long, 0 Lord, until you hear 
the Church’s cry of pain?
Our voices fail, our strength grows weak 
are all our dreams in vain? 
Yet still we search for shafts of hope 
for rumours of new birth, 
we strain for heaven’s answer 
to our anguish here on earth.

How long, 0 Church, until you learn 
that death must be the sign?
How long until that call is heard 
and recognised as mine? 
Yet still I search for shafts of hope 
for rumours of a change, 
that dying to yourself prepares 
for a divine exchange.

We hear, 0 Lord, that death means life 
not only for the One
who risked the cross with all its shame 
to show himself the Son.
Yet still we search for shafts of hope 
for rumours of a sign
to help your restless people see 
this mystery divine.

My children will you dare to see 
beyond your sacred wall; 
To risk a faith that dares to grasp 
eternal life for all?
Yet still I search for shafts of hope 
for rumours of a Church 
that, dying to itself, can bring 
my Kingdom here on earth.