Say Follow Me
Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13
Say “Follow me!” It’s what some try to do,
though few will leave position, power and wealth
as Matthew did, inspired to follow you.
Perhaps his soul was drawn to greater health.
His healing meant he recognized your truth,
reclaimed ideals he’d left upon a shelf,
integrity abandoned in his youth,
respect for others and his better self.
His other name was Levi, ancient clan
of priesthood. As disciple, did he find
that heritage made new? Though once he ran
to lures of Empire, hope remade his mind.
Say “Follow Me!” This world of compromise
may yet turn to your healing, leave the lies.
Barbara Messner 7/06/2023
Barb, poet priest 
I love this … the design of the poem which feels so appropriate to the details of the work he left, the work that is ascribed to him. and the use of the name making me smile again since Matthew is “gift of God.” (I named both my children that … the older Matthew, the younger (middle name) Ingrid.
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Thanks. I didn’t know Matthew meant “gift of God”, and it’s lovely to know that your children Matthew and Ingrid are both named “gift of God”.
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