What fuels my pride is nothing like what You gave up – true God, true man – when you bowed as low as bowing goes, as low as heaven spans. What strikes my face is feather-like beside the spear that pierced Your side; my burdens roll onto the floor beside the death YouContinue reading “Lent: Man of Sorrows 1”
Category Archives: Lent
Lent: Humility 6
Teacher, they say, grant us whatever we ask of you. Assumptions rich in self, they see a throne, and seats on either side; surely theirs? For what other reason do they fight? Yet His kingdom is not of this world; its great ones do not presume, nor grasp. Losing and finding self, they serve, seeingContinue reading “Lent: Humility 6”
Lent: Humility 5
The lie entwines with half-truths: it pleases the eye, and wisdom seems good, yet that which seems deceives, tears apart at the seams the fine-woven fabric of image and praise. Who are we? Like God, yet when we grasp at fruit to be like God, the image dies; the garden turns to dustbowl. O whatContinue reading “Lent: Humility 5”
Lent: Humility 4
Dust I am, precious Lord. Though well-adorned in rags of self, underneath I am dry bone. Daily I wander in search of glory: fine silks to wrap my pride; jewels to garnish ears that do not hear; softest leather to shoe rock-still feet. What can clothe a heart of stone? What perfume can disguise rottingContinue reading “Lent: Humility 4”
Lent: Humility 3
The serpent bites deep; venom lurks where least expected. The heart has chasms, labyrinths, unknown even to itself. What way out have we but to weep? Deceitful beyond all things, the heart’s lie is more twisted than you ever thought. Good intentions pave Destruction’s road; who will rid me of this body of death? FollowContinue reading “Lent: Humility 3”
Lent: Humility 2
Bow at His feet. You did not come here by yourself: your knees are weak and buckle under pride, and joints stiffen when left to self. The road is narrow. You must bend and bow to walk its curves; it will not bend itself for you and, puffed with knowledge, you will only make itContinue reading “Lent: Humility 2”
Lent: New Song 6
Newness declares itself in broken hearts: old ruts are vast and carry dust yet penitence cleans fathoms deep and always makes anew. What yesterday made shame your song today is fading into silence. Listen: polyphonic hope arises, gentle, soft, yet sure. The old has passed, yet still can yell; The new has come,Continue reading “Lent: New Song 6”
Lent: New Song 5
What have you seen of the past? What stories do history’s pages tell? A mute dirge perhaps, or a final bugle, retreat sounding when battle’s about to be won? You look only in false places; the witness of the past tells only half-truth. It was not there when firmaments were sealed or covenants carved intoContinue reading “Lent: New Song 5”
Lent: New Song 4
New, this song that you must sing, yet carved in ancient harmonies, set to ancient notes and weighed in ancient modes on ancient scales, from everlasting days. Tune your strings to ancient staves and sing the truths of yesterday; rehearse the promises of old in present songs of future hope, in freshest melody. The oldContinue reading “Lent: New Song 4”
Lent: New Song 3
Sing to the Lord a new song – The old song is tired; it has no breath. Love and faithfulness have kissed; sing their song and live. Make way a path for righteousness – a level path where knees won’t strain. Sing body parts into new joy; watch new steps form for feet.Continue reading “Lent: New Song 3”
The Consolations of Writing 