Like Children

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes!
 ‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:1-9

Like Children

The school bell rings one final time
and we pour out of the doors to freedom
we run and throw away all captivity
setting aside our fears and woes.

Summer is brief and toil and discipline return
for today we can welcome and invite
call out and sing our chance at play
share the equipment will all who will swing.

Our arms are open for loving and welcome
we cannot put rules over enjoying these gifts
we cannot let fear keep us from befriending
we cannot let hope die on the vine.

Violence has too often kept us indoors
politicians too often violates our trust
we are made for love and love alone
and we will share with all the children to come.