Monday, May 16, 2016

A Scorched Earth

The Rev. Nancy E. Gossling


Some sneered.
Wearied from travel. Thirsty for the Spirit. Confused by many people.
They came.
It was a new culture: there were various customs and strange languages. 
Dipping pools were plentiful.

They saw tongues of fire, lashing out in fury, landing on people's heads.
Fueled by strong winds, the blaze became a many-splendored thing.
It was a rainbow, arching over the whole earth, the ends touching holy ground.
Hanging heavy around their necks, the stoles burned.
The fire started with the fringes.
It was a holy hell, a scorched earth.
There were hearts burning with desire.
There were ashes everywhere.

Some sneered.
Drunk on new wine, old wine. What did it matter?
They knew better. It was 9:00 in the morning somewhere, 9:00 in the evening also.
Some people start early, others come late to the party.
But all come.
looking for something.
looking for someone.

Come, we beg.
Come, satisfy our thirst.
Come, heal our souls.
Come, feed our dreams.
Come, set us on fire.
For heaven's sake.