O people, blessed are you
who come in the name of
the One who was and will be.
In death, in life, in renewal
the Promise says to the mourner:
“Peace be with you even when
the wounds seem to suggest
peace is not possible.”
O people, blessed are you
who come in the name of
the faithful Testimony.
In hope, in awe, in frustration
the Teacher says to the disciple:
“Peace be with you though
you strive after answers that
can only be known in living.”
O people, blessed are you
who come with a song
for the Victor and Healer.
In persistence, in resistance,
Holy Joy says to the doubter:
“Peace be with you through
desperation and triumph,
until neither one remains.”
O people, blessed are you
who come with love
for the One who frees.
With breath, with forgiveness,
Freedom says to the restless:
“Peace be with you until
at last you understand
it has already been found.”
O people, blessed are you
who come in the name of
the chief Cornerstone.
At a glance, with a touch, In a moment,
the First-and-Last says to the fearful:
“Peace be with you with every
marker you place along the way
to reassure one another.”
O people, blessed are you
who come in the name of
the Spirit of Peace.
The Rev. Rachel G. Hackenberg‘s book with co-author Martha Spong, Denial Is My Spiritual Practice (and Other Failures of Faith), searches for faith through life’s trials. Rachel has also written Writing to God, a popular Lenten devotional, and other books.
Amen.
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