God does not take away conflict or pain. God offers me healing within and blessing throughout.
"Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and the other at your left, in your kingdom." In reply Jesus said, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink of the cup I am to drink of?" (Mt 20:21-22).
O God,
your kingdom
is not one of
conflict and power,
but one of
kinship.
You desire
relationship
not rivalry
and so empower
greatness
with humility,
and meekness
with strength.
Places of honor
are wounds in
your right hand
and left.
With our brother,
Jesus,
you bid us
gather 'round
and share a cup
of blood and tears...
to drink death
before the promised
dawn.
How foolish we are
to think that pushing
our way to you
avoids the pull
of one another.
Forgive...forgive us
who look for answers
in a balance
of heaven and earth
but leave no room
for the ballast
of your wisdom.
Forgive us the egos
that edge you out
of our holiness.
Amen.
