We shouted Kyrie
and groveled begging
forgiveness repeatedly,
unmindful we sought
the decorated container,
while precious gems
lay hidden and unnoticed.
This year of mercy
flings challenge
to such unworthy concepts.
Untying the pouch,
the Lord holds out
the gems of his fingers,
each poised
to rub away the smudges of sin,
and offer a handhold
that raises mercy to praise,
and not the moan
of sinners of surface vision.
The gift of mercy
lies scattered,
like diamonds and pearls,
the smiles and facial joy
of God receiving us,
no call for repentance rituals,
just reach out to pick pearls,
and find our arms overflowing with God.
We no longer pray
for the blessing of mercy,
for mercy, wraps around itself,
until we press
against the heart of God.
No need to wear the pilgrim shell,
or trudge the sacred miles,
when mercy lies at arm-length,
and jumps to gain its goal
of letting our heart sing praise
and joyously beat with his.
December 2015
Bonaventure Stefun, OFM Cap.
Alsso see reflections from the Lent-Easter series here.