Concerning Jesus

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Mark 8:27-38 CLASSIC POEM: Concerning Jesus XVII George Macdonald Holy of holies, my bare feet draw nigh: Jesus, thy body is the shining veil By which I look on God, nor grow death-pale. I know that in my verses poor may lie Things low, for see, the thinker is not high! But were my song as loud as saints’ all-hail, As pure as prophet’s cry of warning wail, As holy as thy mother’s ecstasy— He sings a better, who, for love or ruth, Into his heart a little child doth take. Nor thoughts nor feelings, art nor wisdom seal The man who at thy table bread shall break. Thy praise was not that thou didst know, or feel, Or show, or love, but that thou didst the truth. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Messiah Reconsidered Myra Sklarew SNIPPET: How often and in what detail we have imagined you. Like the fine blades of grass, the attention to each wing petal of the angel da Vinci made. This is the way we have counted off the years of your absence. [ READ THE FULL POEM ]