not too much

Often it's a certain wetness behind the eyes (or else a joyful laugh) that tells me I'm 'connecting' during each Sunday's church services. This week, the theme was liberation, but it was once again one of the songs that touched me. As poetry, this one's rather ordinary, but the ideas spoke to me. Jesus emptied himself (kenosis) and yet possessed all the fullness of God.

Faith will not grow from words alone,
from proofs provided, scripture known;
our faith must feel its way about,
and live with question-marks and doubt.

The pattern Jesus showed, we share:
life comes through death, hope through despair.
God is made known in brokenness,
and faith feeds on God's emptiness.

The church still tells how Jesus came
through death to glorious life again
the strangest story! Yet, maybe,
our faith will thrive on mystery.

Faith takes the little that we know,
and calls for hope, and tells us: Go!
Love and take courage, come what may;
Christ will be with us on the way.

-- Vernon Griffiths, 1894-1985