A KIss and a Sword

Immediately, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked. Mark 14:43-52

A Kiss and a Sword

Those who seemed to love us
will betray us when fear rises
when they ache for what we have
or for thirty pieces of silver.

When the storms threatened
when darkness descends early
when limits and boundaries set
they will betray their beloved.

Fighting for the last gallon of water
grabbing that last seat on a flight
stealing your beloved with charms
their fear will knock out all sense.

We will breathe and let light in
know that the Savior was betrayed
hold tight to the coming resurrection
praying for the fears of these times.