Grieving over Lost Sons and Daughters

Grieving Over Lost Sons and Daughters
Pentecost 11; 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 14, 31-33; Luke 13:34,35
David wept:
“O my son Absalom,
my son, my son Absalom!
Would I had died instead of you,
O Absalom, my son, my son!”

How many weep
for sons and daughters
caught by the head
between heaven and earth,
caught by the trap of mind
dislocated from body and soul!

How many weep
for the pierced hearts
of rebellious youth
and of the parents,
set apart and waiting,
who cannot save them!

Jesus weeps 
on the outskirts of our cities,
and wants to gather the children
as a hen gathers her brood
under her wings,
but they are not willing.
See, our house is left to us
until we can truly say:
“Blessed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord.”
     Barbara Messner 7/08/2024