Poem August 18, 1980 Issue

Self-examination

KARIN JEAN GILLETT

If Christ Jesus were here today,
would I greet him like the Pharisee,
convinced of my own understanding?
Would I challenge him, as did the lawyer,
convinced I knew the law?
Would I watch him heal, but
look for ways to accuse him?

Oh, I would rather be like Zacchaeus,
who received him joyfully—and immediately
made restitution for his wrongs;
I would be like the woman who washed his feet
with tears to show her need of him;
I would, like Peter, rather feed his lambs
in keeping his commandments.

Oh! Let there be
no Pharisee/lawyer/evil subtlety
in me. Dear God, let me express
the love of Christ to all I meet.

KARIN JEAN GILLETT

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