Some Things Bear Repeating

Jesus shows up at the tent camps under bridges

not letting the trashcan fires blow out.

Jesus shows up in the lines at the mission

multiplying that which is brought to make folks full. 

Jesus shows up in the disease infested hovels built on mountains

molded out of our own garbage and sits with children in our castoff clothes.

Jesus shows up, reflected in the eyes of the beached whales and the ducks

with wings now oil-slick, belly up, moving nature’s force to restore balance. 

Jesus shows up, by the bedside of the cancer patient,

providing warmth over the cold chemicals pumped into veins.

Jesus shows up next to the prisoners

to loosen shackles from bleeding wrists.

Jesus shows up in the sterile white rooms to bring peace

to the frenzied, straightjacketed souls.

Jesus shows up in classrooms and boardrooms,

courtrooms and staterooms, and everywhere in between.  

Jesus shows up when we walk,

when we fall,

when we weep,

and when we leap.

And he comes whether we are the person engulfed in the pain,

or the person who ignited it. 

Grace upon grace.