Rather

Jesus didn’t live
A life concealed
Rather Jesus preached
And he healed

Jesus didn’t hold
Onto a grudge
Rather Jesus forgave
And he loved

Jesus didn’t want
For material things
Rather Jesus espoused
Detachment and generosity

Jesus didn’t shun
Or was conditional
Rather Jesus invited
And was all-inclusive

Jesus didn’t stay
In the fray
Rather Jesus went
Alone to pray

Jesus didn’t run
Or give up
Rather Jesus drank
From the cup

Jesus didn’t say
“It’s the end”
Rather Jesus rose
From the dead

Jesus didn’t stay
In heaven above
Rather Jesus himself
Lives in us

By Cathy Lamperski Dearing

(Cathy Lamperski Dearing is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.)

The Criterion