God's Beast

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This resource relating to Zechariah 9:9-12 provides poems by G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) and Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007) highlighting the theme of humility from the perspective of the donkeys used in scripture.
Paid Resource: 
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Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
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Audio/Video: 
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Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12 CLASSIC POEM: The Donkey G.K. Chesterton When fishes flew and forests walked And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry And ears like errant wings, The devil’s walking parody On all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of ancient crooked will; Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb, I keep my secret still. Fools! For I also had my hour; One far fierce hour and sweet: There was a shout about my ears, And palms before my feet. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: God’s Beast Madeleine L’Engle SNIPPET: Least important of all animals, I am a beast of burden. I can carry heavy loads, and I am more patient than a camel, gentler of nature, though occasionally stubborn. I am not considered intelligent, and my name is used as an insult. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
G. K. Chesterton
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
Madeleine L'Engle
Content Type: 
Key Scriptures: 
Zechariah 9:9-12
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year A Proper 9 (Ordinary Time 14)
Date: 
Sunday, July 2, 2023