Poem for Christ the King
Pamela Cranston

See how this homeless babe
lifted himself down into his humble Crèche
and laid his tender glove
of skin against that splintered wood
—found refuge in that rack
of raspy straw—home on that chilly dawn,
in sweetest
silage, those shriven stalks.

See how this outcast King lifted
himself high upon his savage Cross,
extended the regal banner of his bones, draping himself upon his throne—his battered feet,
his wounded hands, not fastened there by nails
but sewn
by the strictest thorn of Love.
— The Anglican, 34(4), October 2005.

Prayer

God of Grace, may the Son of Righteousness arise in us as we seek to discern and embody your mission today and tomorrow. Fill us with your Spirit of truth and peace and make us one and holy in your universal love. Give us the courage and wisdom to proclaim and embody the good news. (ABM)

Picture: The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, a Benedictine Catholic church at Tabgha, on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, believed to be the place where Jesus performed the miracle (Matthew 15.32-37).