Belonging and Receiving

Belonging and Receiving
Pentecost 20; Luke 18:15-17
It is to such as this
the realm of God belongs:
the baby learning how to be
whose sustenance is love.

Her joy is to explore
the colours, shapes and sounds;
to her, the world’s new born,
created for delight.

Safe held in cradling arms,
she smiles to know a face,
then seeks her mother’s milk,
warm flowing from the breast.

Show me the way to be
as joyful as a child
exploring sights made fresh
as eyes perceive anew.

I smile to glimpse your face
play peek-a-boo in clouds
that mound like glowing breasts
back lit with hidden sun.

Help me to make a space
for learning stripped of words,
then taste again the flow
of meaning that sustains.

Let me be touched by God
as Jesus bids “Be still!”
to voices that reject
the child within us all.

Our liturgies and laws
must not control who comes
to hear the teacher teach,
receive his healing touch.

Give birth in us again
to soul’s simplicity
that chortles in surprise
rejoicing in your world.
	Barbara Messner 22/10/2025