Communion

"Repent!" comes the call. Just return, but the road is tired and my soles are full of holes. What!?! Evil that I never consider in the midst of my passions. Blood I don't feel dripping from my eyes and off my chin. Too much pain to even feel anymore. No, I don't feel it -- but I know it's there -- after I've gnashed my teeth and thrown my body upon the rocks among the tombs. "Savior!" comes my drunken call, my chain wrapping my neck as a boa constrictor -- links that imprint and scar.

You've answered my crazed screams again...again...In disbelief I watch you coming -- walking on water and riding the clouds. Ashamed at Your mercy and faithfulness in light of myself, I slip into an empty tomb, hiding myself in darkness. But the light -- Your light comes out of even the darkness. And your shining grows -- beginning from the deepest black where not even the most devilish creatures dare to go. You conquer death and so have beaten them all. Your golden warmth flows across the dusty floor like a flooding river, reverse waterfalls that climb the walls. A song. What is it? Beautiful. And the shepherd finds me again - alone and cold, bleeding and saturated. Tempted by the best-looking fruit but trapped in the ugliest tomb.

You smile and touch my cheek, "Sweet child of mine. I know. Return with me. The rocks on the way back are sharp - the way is dangerous. I will carry you." It is then that I see the gashes of Your feet and the blisters on Your heel. Calloused hands and a sweat-soaked tunic. But Your eyes are only for me. Loving me. As You walk I bury my head in Your chest and sob -- but Your footing is sure and Your pace is swift. We walk on water and ride the clouds together. Back. Back to Peace.