Some Who Follow Christ

Some Who Follow Christ
Pentecost 19; Mark 9:38-50
I think that some who follow Christ
seem more against than for.
No doubt they think the same of me –
both look for other’s flaw.
They seem to claim that any text
they quote must count as law,
while I maintain inclusive love
defeats the points they score.

It sometimes seems the God they find
is opposite to mine.
Their God whose judgement punishes
makes Jesus pay our fine
in broken body, blood and death –
abuse as Love’s design?
or God with us in life and death
with bread and wine as sign?

The Jesus I know shared himself
at table with us all,
with those who will betray, deny,
when fear obscures their call.
How dare decrees of priests and state
make death on God’s son fall?
He shared the fate of those oppressed
where power treads down the small.

His choice to be self-emptying
was seen in death and birth –
a homeless baby in the straw,
denied his human worth.
He made no claim to privilege,
no bid to rule the Earth.
He died and rose to show God’s love
in pattern of rebirth.
	Barbara Messner 25/09/2024