Tuesday, March 16, 2010

because (John 12:1-8)

because
we have preserved our joy
in manna jars
    for the long winter of despair,
    storing them in the dark corners
                of our souls,
        we have forgotten
        its gritty taste;

because
we have put a tight lid
on our joy,
    and put it in the back 
    of the pantry,
            we have forgotten
            how it can tickle
            our noses;

because
we are so busy 
    prattling pious platitudes
    about the poor, the least, the lost,
            we ignore your words
            which anoint them
            as your children;

because
we have put up 
the shutters and storm doors
    to keep your future
    from sneaking in,
        we have missed
        the sweet breeze
        carrying your hope
             to us;

because
we are who we are,
        restore us, Holy Grace,
    and make us 
    a fragrant offering
            to the world.

(c) Thom M. Shuman