HIS ALL-INCLUSIVE MIND

February 18, 1999

On a cold winter Sunday, arriving at the church,
We were snug as a bug, all clothed in its pride;
But as much distracted as a parrot on its perch
By what we were seeing as we walked inside.

We were all dressed up in “our best bib and tucker”,
About to take the cup, as we listened to the Word,
But there beside the church stood an “unlucky sucker”,
Who for all we could see, The Word had never heard.

We didn’t ask him in, or act like a friend,
But just passed by, as if we were shy;
We gossiped with our friends, and did not defend
That wretch outside we were quick to deny.

The prelude was ended when the doors opened wide;
The tattered coat, the hat pulled down,
And the same worn shoes we had seen outside
Slowly walked the aisle! Can you hear the silent sound?

He stood behind the pulpit; the church was quiet as death!
He took off his coat; he took off his hat,
And there before our Pastor, we all caught our breath!
Not a text, nor a word! There was no need of that!!

In as much, my friends, as we help the least of these,
With a cup of cold water, or our welcome, warm and kind,
We will reach out, our Master truly please,
And so embrace His all-inclusive Mind.