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Lectionary 6 A

Matthew 5:21–37

You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. (Matt 5:21–22)

Outside even God he would entreat

with his shirt pressed and untucked

dark jeans carefully faded on the thigh

vanity glasses rightly matching his square face

cheerful humor at the right social moment

generous to friends and strangers with and without

breaking only the smallest of commandments

and rules of engagement on the street and at work.

Inside he knew the heft of carrying like sacked concrete

his own lonesome soul, wretched and loathsome,

a prisoner yoked to his rage and anger,

the deep cavernous drip, drip of fear on stalagmites of terror

now outside God entreating him with compassion untucked,

inside peace rightly matching his wounded heart.