Humble

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."  Matthew 23:1-12

Humble

With those hands she wiped tears
kneaded a thousand loaves of bread
dug in the dirt and nurtured the plants
tied tamales while talking constantly.

With her smile she has brightened a throng
fed small children from her limited supply
found homes for homeless, being homeless herself
calling her family even when they made her weary.

She is bent with age, racked with limitations
wishing she could be the helper rather than helped
she imagines all the plants and children she could tend
and prays up a storm as she lies alone in bed.

She is a pastor a counselor a good friend
trying and yet always dedicated to love
wounded and yet always willing to be transformed
tender-hearted  and never afraid to shed tears.

My mother's hands tell a thousand tales
about those who loved her and gave her great gifts
never bragging, always forgiving, endlessly forgiven
a model life betrayed by the ravages of age.

Those aged hands belie the little girl
who still runs free and dancing within her frame
the powerful woman leader who leade by love
the dangerous prankster ready always to play.

May God bless all the souls abiding today
in wrecked bodies, ignored by the world
the ones who made and changed our lives for good
the saints among us waiting to go home.




The Collect


Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.