Homecoming

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”Luke 19:28-40

Homecoming

They flung their jackets on the ground
dust flying everywhere feet racing
such anticipation such love
a fury of excitement a flurry of arms legs
a family rushing towards the long awaited
the aching heart finally healed.

They struck up a song and laughter rang
dancing legs everywhere as if fire beneath
and wind rushed around spinning their joy
into golden threads that tied them
bound them to each other.

Pretty soon blood would spill
treason and deceit slip in
dark hearts would open to anger
and terror would control daylight.

They didn't know, couldn't know their own
brokenness they knew that and failure to love
only knew that love was sparking around them
their dark child grown into a savior
the champion of the poor, the lonely
the blind and the broken had come home
and they were all welcome and no fear.

We can love in the welcome or live in the fear
we can cry in the night and cancel our hope
or we can line the streets and thank God
for love which casts out our dark hearts
our horrid blunders, our murderous jealousy and
make us a family again.