To Love Our Neighbors - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

In this season starting
in ashes and repentance
Reflecting on our calling
our lives for a purpose
to love our neighbors, our enemies
even as ourselves
To walk in our faith
to be the shining light
remaining the stuff of clay
the salt of the earth
Marked by the cross
the name of the Christ
ashes on our heads
and his name on our hearts
Defining us by his walk
our shepherd before us
called to love the world
and to forgive our neighbors
Hard to do in the dog-eat-dog
the Horatio Alger world
but easier when we remember
God’s loving word
We are unable
to redeem ourselves to God
needing the sacrifice of Christ
his blood poured on the cross
We must be mindful
needing his grace
sharing the light of Christ
to the ends of the earth

March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=16&mid=6710
article, “When did United Methodists start the "imposition of ashes" on Ash Wednesday?”
Season of Lent
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.