“in hope rejoicing”

They’re bombarding me
with terrible and savage threats
about the dire moment
when I meet You face to face.

But I believe
(because simple like a child I trust in you)
that your Love is so great
it can’t be contained
in the petty, illiberal accountancy
of our earthly misery.

That is why with confidence I await
the lengthy journey.
It may well be that I am
a great zero, a nothing;
but You are:

My Neighbor;
the faithful companion
on the road of my life.
I know that you want to, and can,
guide me with certainty
to the longed-for end;
to grant me joy
not because I deserve it
but because
Your mercy is infinite.

My Friend;
who paid the ransom for my freedom
not with surplus wealth
but with the pain of his martyrdom
and blood.

My Father;
who would never have given his son
a snake rather than a fish when he hungered;
but for his sake would slaughter
the fatted calf
to celebrate his return
from the prodigality of his selfishness.

How could I not live
(“trampling down death by death”)
with the joy
of such sweet hope?

10 Oct. 2004