Advent Poem

ADVENT

journey down through the centuries
of people seeking God
to become flesh in their lives

journey of people in high places
journey of the lowly and the simple
journey of Mary and Joseph
journey of the wise ones
journey of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
journey of people we have known and loved
family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends

journeying in a world pervasive with violence
intensifies our longing for God
violence within homes
and on our streets
violence of injustice
born of prejudice and privilege
violence to Earth
apt symbol of broken relationships

one needs to know another way is possible
one looks to the remnant people
of times past and present
the saints, the prophets
no strangers to violence are they
speaking their message
in tones of increasing urgency
to awaken
to make God’s way known
upon Earth.

yesterday and today persistently
people of God
carve out the path
of peace born of justice
the blood of martyrs ever ancient
and freshly spilled
pours out the word of God upon Earth

Advent,
journey down through the centuries
of people seeking for God
to become flesh in their lives