September 22-25, 2023

Tenement

hate does not have a room here

it has no lease, it pays no rent

it did once own a reservation

but that was cancelled long ago

though it stand at the door

it will find no welcome smile

though it try to step inside

it will be quickly ordered out

though it seek to make a home

it will be no more than a thief

though it struggle against grace

it will not overthrow mercy

though it grapple with concern

it will not prevent compassion

Love has given us too great a Gift

for hate to be its exchange

restoration is too great a blessing

for hate to hold its status quo