Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves

Jesus said to the twelve, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:16-22

Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves 

Following Jesus into the unknown
sometimes we are lead to still waters
other times to verdant pastures of plenty
and often to dangerous violent streets.

Deep into alien and unwelcoming territory
we seek shelter in the crags of the rocks
hidden high upon the mountain side
looking down on the gaping maw of hate.

We can see all the pitfalls of our journey
yet our hearts must be childlike and soft
ready to embrace the unlikely and shunned
ready always to spread love like a blanket.

We can be drawn into a dank den of politics
a seductive place of power and favor
we must fly away from the enticing flames
and seek the heart of our loving Creator.

On this walk with the Incarnate One
we both tiptoe and take great leaps
always his footsteps guide our feet
his sacrificial love guides our hearts.