Reflections Luke 3:3-6

This is the way of repentance:

To let go

Of all the twisting paths my heartstrings trace,

The valleys of my vanity’s despair,

Heights of desire which spurn a milder grace.

This is the way of repentance:

To accept

The limitations of my mortal frame,

My weakness and the smallness of my reach,

Yet not deny the power of Christ’s name.

This is the way of repentance:

To abjure

Ambitions which would seek prestige and power,

Instead to wear the servant’s towel in love,

And joy to see another grow and flower.

This is the way of repentance

To give up

The easy path of shrinking shame and fear,

The choice of smallness which is an escape

From faith’s demand for courage, sharp and clear.

This is the way of repentance:

To lay down

Self’s ever-grasp for ego’s swift reward.

This dying which is precursor to life,

And joy to be a highway for the Lord.