Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54:3-8; James 3: 16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37, 42-49

our hearts exposed
you read us
and know
our murderous quests
our jealousy and strife
so far from wisdom
we climb over
one another
to test
with revilement
and torture
we quarrel and fight
so far from our hearts
desire
to love
if only
we were to ask rightly
wisdom would come
and uphold our lives
with peace
and mercy
and sympathy
leniency
and kindly deeds
leaving war behind
a child raised up
we welcome the innocence
see this new life
and seek to serve
the love
that has been
freely given

Do we dare ask rightly and enter wisdom?
Do we see the child we are to become?
Do we see the love we are to serve?