Stones Thrown Down

Stones Thrown Down
Pentecost 23; Luke 21:5-19
See, stones like bones still litter sacred ground,
raise disembodied limbs into the sky.
Remembered words passed down preserve the sound
of prayers and chants until the echoes die.
Beware of pride in massive building blocks,
in gilded vessels, jeweled robes and glass.
The rot begins with disenchanted flocks
and pompous clergy who misuse their class.
Rapacious empires trample temple walls
and persecute the prophets who must speak.
From ruins and in prisons Spirit calls,
gives words and wisdom to the poor and weak.
No need to cling to structures set in stone:
it’s love that raises us to be God’s own.
	Barbara Messner 11/11/2025