This May Explain

by Jessica Powers

The door to God, the door to any grace

is very little, very ordinary.

Those must remember who would gain the place

this rule that does not vary:

all truth, all love are by humiliation

guarded, as One has testified before.

This may explain why the serf finds salvation,

and kings and scholars pass the little door.

Jessica Powers

1905 – 1988

Early Years (1905 - 1936)

Born and raised in Mauston, Wisconsin
Both her father and older sister had died by her thirteenth birthday
Returned to raise her brothers after her mother's death in 1925
She published over 100 poems before 1936

Carmelite Community (1941 - 1988)

Entered the Milwaukee community of the Carmel of Mother of God, as a postulant In 1941
In 1942, she received the habit of the Carmelites and was given the religious name of Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit.
As a mystic Jessica expresses in her poetry the direct, intense, immediacy of God's presence.

Poem Highlights

(for me)

The beautiful simplicity
The focused theme, lending itself to meditation

Poem Structure

The door | to God, | the door | to an|y grace A

is very little, very ordinary. B

Those must remember who would gain the place A

this rule that does not vary: B

all truth, all love are by humiliation C

guarded, as One has testified before. D

This may explain why the serf finds salvation, C

and kings and scholars pass the little door. D

Who is the One?

all truth, all love are by humiliation
guarded, as One has testified before.

Scripture References

The door to God, the door to any grace

is very little, very ordinary.

Those must remember who would gain the place

this rule that does not vary:

all truth, all love are by humiliation

guarded, as One has testified before.

This may explain why the serf finds salvation,

and kings and scholars pass the little door.

Scripture references

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
— Matt. 7:14

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
— Matthew 19:24

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
— Luke 18:14

Themes

Simplicity of the poem mirrors the humility needed to go through the "ordinary door"
Serves as a reminder of the dangers of greatness and self-sufficiency
Reminds me of Dallas Willard's point about God being at the end of our rope