July 14th

"They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:22

is it irony that folks

seem more interested

in putting the 10 Rules on display

rather than the 8 Blessings?

is it telling that we

keep reminding folks of

the parable of the lucky sheep

and those unfortunate goats

but fall silent about your

reminding us to notice

that big log in our eyes 

and not the speck in another's?

is it something about us

that we find your woes 

and curses far more astounding

than those comments about

loving enemies, giving away 

all that we have, about taking

up that cross called faith and

following you wherever you lead?

or is it, we think your authority

has diminished somewhat?

(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman