No Deceit

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:43-51

No Deceit

Dear Author of truth and life
you have found us hiding here
afraid of the virus harming us
keeping safe for everyone's sake.

So many have come to their edge
the routines and comforts gone
the smiling daily faces now screened
and we ache for real known presence.

Help us to be like blessed Nathanael
who told the truth and always came clean
who followed you when few would
who lived a life of a faithful follower.

If we are honest we are frayed and raw
exhausted from trying to be patient
impulsive, cranky and frustrated too
safe here, in your loving, redeeming arms.