The Time is Fulfilled

The Time is Fulfilled
Lent 1; Mark 1:9-15
When we rise in urgent need
seeking sun and air,
from the depths enclosing us
like a womb or tomb,
heavens open; gracious life
swoops to meet us there,
naming us as family,
with the world our room.
Something divine will alight on us,
something human finds wings,
something is heard that delights in us,
something gives voice and sings.

When we wander, overwhelmed, 
dazed by sun and air,
driven out to wilderness
where temptations loom,
though the dryness desiccates
hope into despair,
there's a word that calls us out
to face down that doom.
Something corrupting entices us,
something steadfast holds true,
something authentic finds words in us,
something that's timeless and new.

So the kingdom comes to us,
near as sun and air,
when we open arms to it,
and provide it room.
If we let the silence grow
'til it strips us bare,
animals and angels come,
and strange flowers bloom.
Something within us enlightens us,
something changing us leads,
something allures us in mystery,
something that reaches our needs.
  Barbara Messner 17/02/2018