In the Tough Times

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” Luke 22:31-38

I am sifted like flour
shaken through mesh ground
by a hammer, twisted and beaten
punched down and covered up
only to rise again.

We are best when leavened
moistened with tears and experience
kneaded over and over again
and fed but a little to increase
our ache to stretch and breathe.

These tough times are certain
unbearable and fleeting a momentary trial
a fork in the road and a turning up
of the heat.

We will bake and sweat
and God has molded us loaf after loaf
for the feeding of the world.