March 24, 2005
Poetry
When power leads us to arrogance, poetry reminds us of our limitations. When power narrows the area of our concern, poetry reminds us of the richness and diversity of our existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. — John Kennedy
The poetry of the Gospel and the Jesus parable through which its word becomes flesh are perhaps nowhere more evident than in our remembering, not merely as a fond thought, but as a radical thing done. There can perhaps be no more poetic act than Maundy Thursday’s gift and commission of sacramental thanksgiving.
It contains our recurrent arrogance both in church and state. It pries open our narrow obsessions with orthodoxy and recalls the richness and diversity of our existence and ministry. It cleanses not only our bodies, but our souls.