The Sheep Will Be Scattered - Feast of David P. Oakerhater

And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” Mark 14:27-42

The Sheep Will Be Scattered - in honor of St. David P. Oakerhater

Working in the field of broken promises
from church and government to the people
like scattered sheep without a shepherd
we serve the lost, forgotten and denied.

From Oklahoma to the Dakotas to Alaska
Montana, Minnesota, Virginia, Alabama
we looked the other way when progress rolled
denying our people their languages and land.

Yet there were those who were always faithful
released from jail they went back home
to honor the Divine and restore their people
to love beyond measure and live without fear.

Let us honor those sainted before us
who faced down ignorance and correction
who offered love in the face of abuse
who shared and lifted up when beaten down.

Those times have changed they change little
still left in the margin are our tribal people
we will not be put in museums and sideshows
we will thrive among the ones who would conquer.