My experimental “bush poetry”approach to the lectionary has elicited a mixed reaction. Some love it; others plead with me not to give up my day job (but I’m retired!) Anyhow, here’s a go at the Gospel for this Sunday, which is:
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,
“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.”
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.’ …
… At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
Yeah, in this game there are no winners
We all compete amongst sinners
Each knows what is best, and with lots of zest
Seek to prove that we’re not beginners.
But John held up a mirror
We hid and decried him as queerer
The Human One came; we said much the same
and urged him to come no nearer.
Wisdom evades those deemed “wise,” said he
‘Tis the simple who ‘get’ mystery
‘Twas so ordained, though you all complained
That your efforts leave little to see.
If life proves tough following me
You’re right as right as can be
But come have a rest; indeed, be my guest
and together, we’ll set people free.
(c) 2020 Dennis Ryle
Wondering Pilgrim 