Springtime Jesus

Read by Charlie Barker

You, Springtime Jesus,
just as I’d settled down for winter,
you broke into my heart
and danced your love right across it
in a mad excess of giving.

Just as I’d got comfortable
with bare branches and unfeeling,
just as my world was neatly black and white,
there you were,
kicking up flowers
all over the place.

Springtime Jesus,
I tried to find a way to tell you
that there were places
where you could or could not dance.

I wanted to guide you on my paths
and have you sign the visitors’ book;
but you laughed right through my words
and sang to me your melting song,
causing sap to fire the branches,
causing the flames of buds
to flicker into green bonfires,
causing a windquake of blossom,
causing burstings, searings, breakings,
causing growth-pain,
causing life.

Springtime Jesus,
the fullness of life can be frightening
and I’m lacking in courage.
It isn’t easy to live with a heart
that’s wide open to invasion.
Teach me, Jesus, how to move with you,
step for step, in your love dance.
Touch my fears with your melting song.
Gift me with your laughter,
and, in the mystery of your springtime,
show me the truth of the blossoming Cross.

So be it! Amen

Joy Cowley (2008)
Aotearoa Psalms, Prayers of a New People #51

Reading Matthew 21: 33 – 46

Read by Ryan Stevens

To read the text of this Bible passage online, you may click here.  (NRSV)

Anthem

As the deer pants for the water - Martin Nystrom.  Pitt St morning choir recorded especially for Virtual Church