Epistle to Philemon

Lectionary Readings

Philemon
 Psalm 1
Luke 14:25-33

Tithe Poem

The Image of God At Home | Philemon

A bond of love, steadfast and true,
Is our highest good and our deepest desire.
Do not believe what they call for in the streets.
They emaciate their freedom with pure license.
If, however, they call for freedom from injustice,
this is a good. If they call for liberty to choose the good,
this is a good. But not the highest.

Deeper than all is belonging—
a thick and lasting being-with
that overcomes the lapses and wrongs,
a with-ness of confession and mercy—
the cry of our hearts is connection,
to reconcile with our God, each other, the world.

The highest good is to be at home
in the presence of God.
To be at home with each other—
serving, praying, eating, weeping, laughing—
this is a glimpse of God,
a premonition of what is to come
should we cling to God’s eternity
against the capricious tides of man.

A bond of love, steadfast and true
shows forth our Christ,
beyond all petty clingings of our vanity.
To suffer for love.
To be a slave of righteousness.
To feed on His steadfast Word.
To be with child.
To lose sleep for a child.
To answer the phone.
To join a friend who weeps.
To laugh and watch the sun arise again.
To hear the birds again.
To make home with one another and our God.

May God help us to evidence His faithful love
to all the worlds, that all might know His face.