The law is easy, Jesus,

lists to be made,

items ticked as each is fulfilled;

Love is messy,

people to be heard and seen,

consequences and compassion to be considered;

 

But we’ve lived too long by law –

the law of the sword

taking lives to achieve our goals;

the law of the market

seeking gain without thought of the impact

the law of religion

handing out judgement in your name;

 

But, the poor and the weak,

the diseased and the lonely,

the rejected and the sinful

find no healing in our laws;

 

So teach us to love, Jesus, as you do,

enough to defend the helpless

and overturn the tables of the powerful;

enough to sacrifice ourselves

so others may live

 

Teach us to love, Jesus, as you do.

Amen.