Behold, they have risen the city in flame. They have come, pillaging the bricks of the abode. They are coming to uproot the trees in cultivation. Yet, in your mercy for them you give them time to repent.
For though you are all-Just, despising evil, your love swells within your creation. You permeate all who call upon you, and you knock upon the door of the prodigals who have laid in the pig’s pen.
Healer, restore them from the raging torrents within them. Saviour, rescue them from the false worship of their idols. Deliverer, redeem them from the blood-guilt.
For they have made us wine upon the earth. Yet, we ask you, hold the door open for them that they may know you.
Is not this smoke rising to the heavens? Has it not made them dark in sorrow and much weeping? Yes, the reward shall be given by conflict, so that the rock may become flesh again.
How merciful are you that you send your creatures to them to reveal your rebuke, yet these are the torches-lit upon the way of repentance beckoning them to you.
Lover, rend them blameless in the hour they gaze upon you. For you have made them in the image of your own eternity.
For there is only one life in creation, thus, weren’t we like them? Didn’t you save me from such stone? Thus, how can I despise them who are my mirror. Yes, even the brute is the Shew-bread to me.
Alas, may their assault be the tongs in the Seraph’s hand. Let their dreadful words be like the coal touching my lips. Let my willful endurance be the almsgiving that unveils redemption to their eyes.
Let us pray to the Lord in peace; O Compassionate Lord have mercy on us.
33rd Tuesday after Pentecost +2024
Poetic prayer dripping with the Spirit...