Gaudete

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:4-7

 

Gaudete you say

Gaudete in Domino semper

and the steering wheel slips to the right

and the car crash comes quickly

and the concussion disorients without disabling

Gaudete you say

Gaudete in Domino semper

and the scud missiles fly wildly

and the neighbor’s daughter is damaged

and rifle fire never ceases in the night

Gaudete you say

Gaudete in Domino semper

and eyes scan the cityscape for connections

and the forlorn touch only touch screens

and the suicidal pray through pain for relief

Gaudete you say

and what else can we do

but rejoice always in you

because the rejoicing itself in defiance is

balm and peace and communion