God So Loves the World
Lent 4; John 3:14-21; Numbers 21:4-9
Though God so loves the world
the worldly make self god.
They do not prize the gift
the Son is meant to be.
What serves their purposes
is all that they can see.
What value put on love
that's offered to all free?
Though God so loves the world
the greedy make wealth god.
Where's profit in the gift
of one who comes to serve?
Their riches are not shared;
they keep them in reserve.
Accumulating more -
is that what they deserve?
Though God so loves the world
the leaders make power god.
They cause another's pain
to show that they are boss.
They elevate God's Son
upon a mocking cross
to prove that they are strong,
and wash their hands of loss.
But God who sent the Son
does not condemn the world.
Instead of striking us
Christ lives our death and pain.
The poisoned fangs we fear
are spread as we complain.
Look up and see the cross!
The world can live again!
Barbara Messner 7/03/2024
Barb, poet priest 