Under Her Wings

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Luke 13:31-35

Under Her Wings

There is a safe warm place
close to the heart of God
where we are daily welcomed
and choose not to go.

We are the Creator's offspring
the delight of a parent's heart
yet we willfully reject that place
and try to swim deep waters alone.

We think ourselves grown and capable
shelter is for the tender and broken
we stand on street corners weeping
crying out for direction back home.

We are never far from God's heart
only as far as we choose to be
like errant children under a watchful eye
love will always draws us back in.

We might crow and honk our goodness
in the light of day we spread wings
in the deep cold darkness we cry out
tucked tight alone and never warm.

Let us rejoice in our depedence
may we celebrate our weakness and need
may we see the open arms enfolding us
and give thanks for welcome ever present love.

Collect

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.