Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 10)
Then Jesus summoned His disciples twelve,
Empowered them to drive out bad spirits,
And cure illnesses and all diseases.
The twelve apostles were (Peter) Simon,
His brother Andrew; James, Zebedee’s son;
His brother, John; Philip; Bartholomew;
Simon, the Canaanite; Thomas; Matthew,
Tax-collector; James, son of Alphaeus;
Judas Iscariot and Thaddeus.
Then Jesus sent the twelve advising thus:
Don’t enter Samaritan towns or go
Into territory that’s pagan also.
Redeem the sheep that’s lost from Israel’s house;
Proclaim, ‘The Kingdom is at hand, So Spouse! ’
‘You cure the sick and raise the dead alive;
You cleanse lepers and demons you, out drive;
When you’ve received without cost, you must give;
And without wealth, all life, you must all live.’
‘You should not take a sack for your journey,
A second dress, or stick, sandals, money!
The laborer keeps whatev’r he deserves;
Just worthy person in towns, he then serves;
Whenev’r you enter homes, you wish them peace;
If house be unworthy, let peace, then cease.’
‘If one receives you not or heeds your words,
Then leave that house or town, shake off feet’s dust.’
‘’Twill be, Amen, I say on Judgment Day,
Intolerable for that town anyway,
Than for the lands of Sodom, Gomorrah! ’
‘Behold, I send you like sheep amidst wolves,
So, be like serpents shrewd, simple like doves.
Beware of people handing you to courts,
And scourging you in synagogues by words.’
‘And you’ll be led before governors, kings,
As my witness ‘fore them, pagans, in strings.’
‘And when they hand you o’er, do not worry,
About the things to say or how to speak;
For, you’ll be told at that moment, those things.
And you’ll not speak but will Holy Spirit,
Through you, on your behalf, in manner fit.’
‘And brother hands over brother to death,
And so will father hand over his child,
And children will against their parents rise,
And have them put to death although unwise.’
‘And all will hate you because of my name,
And whoever endures, will not end in shame.
And if they persecute you in one town,
Then, flee to another, known or unknown;
And you’ll finish not all of Israel’s towns,
Before the Son of Man finally comes! ’
‘No disciple can be above teacher;
No slave can be above his own master.’
’Tis not enough for disciple that he,
In every way, his teacher-like to be,
Nor slave become, his master-like truly;
If they have called the master Beelzebul,
Of those in house-hold then, what will they call? ’
‘Of them therefore, in life, don’t be afraid;
Nothing’s concealed that will not be revealed;
There will be no secret remaining veiled.’
‘What I tell you in darkness, speak in light;
The whisper that you hear, proclaim from height;
Don’t be afraid of body-killers then;
They can’t destroy the soul, I say, amen;
But fear the one who destroys body, soul.’
‘Are not two sparrows sold for coin so small?
Yet, to the ground, none of them ever fall,
Without your Father’s knowledge or His call.
Even the hairs on head are counted well;
You’re worth much more than sparrow birds that sell!
‘If you acknowledge me before others,
Then, I’ll acknowledge you ‘fore my Father;
If you deny me before others then,
I will, before my Father in Heaven.’
‘Don’t think I‘ve come to bestow peace on earth;
I’ve come to give not peace but flash the sword.
I’ve come to set a man against father,
To set her daughter ‘gainst her own mother,
Daughter-in-law against mother-in-law!
One’s foes will be in one’s household to awe.’
‘If more than me, one loves father, mother,
Then, he or she is not worthy of me.
If more than me, one loves son or daughter,
Then, he is not worthy of me truly.
Whoever does not bear his cross and walk,
And follow me, is unworthy to talk.’
‘Whoever find his life, will lose it then;
Whoever loses for my sake, finds when
In future, he receives me, aye, amen.’
‘Whoev’r receives a prophet properly,
Will get a prophet’s reward heavenly;
Whoev’r receives a righteous man aright,
Receives me and the one who made the Light.’
‘To one such Godly person, to then drink,
A cup of water, even if he gives,
Amen, I say to you, he surely lives,
To get reward in heaven, in a wink.’
(5-31-2007)
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Mark (Chapter 3)
Jesus entered the synagogue;
There stood a man with withered hand;
They waited to see if He cures
On Sabbath, so they could accuse.
Then Jesus asked the man be brought;
He asked them all, ‘which is lawful-
Doing evil or good that day?
To save life or to destroy it?
They could not answer His queries.
Then Jesus looked at them with rage,
Aggrieved by their hardness of heart:
He told the man, ‘stretch out your hand! ’
That moment, his hand got restored!
The Pharisees then went out fast,
And talked with Herodians there,
On how to put Jesus to death.
Then Jesus went towards the sea;
A lot of people followed Him
From Galilee and Judea,
Beyond Jordan, Idumea.
He asked a boat to be readied;
The crowds were surging onto Him;
When unclean spirits saw Him, then,
They fell before Him saying that,
‘You are the Son of God (aloud) .’
Jesus warned not to reveal Him.
And going up the mountain-side,
He chose his twelve apostles there,
To accompany Him and to preach
With pow’r to drive out demons too.
The twelve apostles that He chose
Were Simon, whom He named Peter;
The son of Zebedee called James;
His brother John, now Boanerges;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Simon from Cannan and Mathew;
Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus)
Judas Iscariot, Thaddeus.
When he returned, there stood a crowd,
So huge, they could not even eat;
The scribes from Jerusalem said,
‘He is possessed by Beelzebul! ’
He drives out demons by its prince.
Summoning them, then Jesus asked,
‘Does Satan drive out next Satan? ’
A kingdom divided can’t stand!
If Satan rises on himself,
Divided, that would spell his doom!
No one enters a strong man’s house,
But plunders only with some ties!
Then Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say,
All sins will be forgiven then.
But who blasphemes against one God
And Holy Spirit, shall ne’er be!
An Eternal sin, they commit.
His mother and brothers had come.
A crowd had gathered around Him;
They said, ‘your mother, brothers wait.’
But Jesus looked at all around
And said, ‘Here are my brothers and mother! ’
For, whoev’r does the will of God
Is my brother, sister, mother!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-19-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 6)
When Jesus went across the Sea
Of Galilee, a crowd followed;
They saw His miracles on sick;
He ascended the mountain-slope
And sat down with His disciples;
The Feast of Passover was near.
Then Jesus saw a large crowd come;
He asked Philip, ‘Where to buy food? ’
He asked this just to test Philip.
He knew what He’as going to do.
Then Philip replied, ‘Two hundred
Days’ wages worth food wouldn’t suffice.’
Andrew told Jesus, ‘There’s a boy
With barley loaves five and fish two.
It wouldn’t do well for such a crowd.’
Then Jesus told the crowd to rest.
Five thousand people sat on grass.
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks
And had it shared along with fish.
When all had eaten indeed well,
Jesus told, ‘Gather all fragments.’
It was twelve wicker basketsful.
When people saw the miracle,
They accepted Jesus, Prophet-
The one who had come to the world!
They wanted to make Him the king.
So, Jesus withdrew to mountain.
When evening came, they went by boat,
Across the sea to Capernaum.
While traveling, it turned quite dark;
The sea was rough with fierce a wind.
When they had gone three miles off-shore,
They saw Jesus come walk on sea
Towards the boat, and grew afraid.
But Jesus said, ‘It’s I, Don’t fear! ’
They thought Jesus would come aboard;
But suddenly, the boat reached shore!
They realized the next day that
The disciples had come by boat
But Jesus did not come by same!
From Tiberias, other boats came.
As Jesus had not arrived still,
The crowd by boats reached Capernaum.
They went in search of Jesus there.
They found Him come across the sea;
They asked, ‘Rabbi, How did you come? ’
Then Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say;
You searched for me, not for my signs,
But due to being filled by loaves.’
‘Don’t work for food that perishes;
But that which gives eternity! ’
‘The Son of Man can give such food;
On Him was set, (God) father’s seal!
They asked Him how to work for God.
Then Jesus said, ‘This is God’s work,
That you believe in one He sent.’
They asked Him, ‘What sign can you give
That we may see and believe you? ’
Our ancestors were fed manna.
’Tis written, ‘He gave bread from sky! ’
So, Jesus said, ‘Amen, amen,
It wasn’t Moses then who gave bread;
My father gives heavenly bread!
God’s divine bread gives you new life.’
They asked, ‘Could you give bread always? ’
Then Jesus said, ‘I’m bread of life.’
‘One, seeking me shall hunger not;
He who believes in me shan’t thirst.’
‘Though you see me, you don’t believe;
All things, my Father gives, I get;
I won’t reject ones who seek me.
I came from heaven, not on own,
But by the will of one who sent.
It is His will that I lose naught;
And that I raise it on last day.’
The Jews murmured when He told thus:
‘I’m the bread that heaven sent.’
They asked, ’ Is not He, Joseph’s son?
Don’t we his mother, father know?
How come he says, ‘I’m heaven’s bread! ? ’
Then Jesus told, ‘Stop murmuring! ’
No one can come to me unless
My Father draws him up above;
I will raise him up on last day.’
’Tis written in the prophets thus:
‘They shall be taught by God Himself.’
And all who heed and learn from Him,
Will come to me like-wise truly.’
‘Amen, I say to you, Amen:
‘Whoever believes sure has eternal life.
‘Jesus said, ‘I’m the bread of life.’
‘Though ancestors ate manna, still,
They died in desert ground, some ill! ’
‘This is the heav’nly bread from God
He who eats it lives forever sans death;
I am that living bread divine;
Who eats this bread will live forev’r
The bread I’ll give is my own flesh.’
The Jews quarreled amongst themselves,
‘How can this man give flesh to eat? ’
So, Jesus said, ‘Amen to you;
Amen, unless you eat the flesh
And drink the blood of Son of man,
You do not have within you life! ’
‘Who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
Has life eternal- will be raised.
My flesh and blood are true food / drink;
Whoev’r does so, remains in me;
He will have life because of me;
Whoever eats this bread, ev’r lives! ’
These things were taught by Jesus while
In synagogue in Capernaum.
His own disciples seemed to tell,
‘This is quite hard; who can accept?
Then Jesus who’d their murmur heard
Queried, ‘Did all I said shock you? ’
‘What if you see the Son of Man
Ascend to where He was before? ’
‘For flesh is of no avail then;
Spirit alone gives live forev’r
My words are spirit and your life.
But there are some who don’t believe.’
For, Jesus knew from beginning
Ones who believe; ones who betray.
So Jesus said, ‘No one can come
To me unless my Father grants.’
Because of this some disciples
Returned to former ways of life,
Without accompanying Him.
Then Jesus asked the Twelve and said,
‘Do you intend to also leave? ’
Then Peter answered Him, ‘Master,
‘Master, to who shall we all go? ’
‘You have words of Eternal Life!
We do believe and are convinced,
You are the Holy One of God! ’
Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I choose you Twelve,
Yet, one of you is sure devil! ’
Thus, Jesus referred to Judas,
The son of Simon Iscariot,
Who would be one to Him betray!
(5-22-2007)
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 8)
To Mount of Olives, Jesus went;
He came to Temple in the morn;
The people flocked to Him at once;
He sat and taught them many things.
The scribes then brought a woman caught
In adultery, and made her stand;
They said to Jesus, ‘O teacher,
This woman is an adulteress,
And got caught in the very act.
As Moses commands us to stone
Such women, so, what do you say? ’
They wanted to test Jesus thus;
So they could charge him in some way;
But Jesus wrote something on ground.
They persisted in asking Him,
So, Jesus said, ‘let one of you
Without a sin, then throw first stone.’
Again, He bent and wrote on ground;
Each one of them then left in turns;
The woman stood near Him alone;
Then Jesus asked her, ‘Where are they?
Has no one condemned you as yet? ’
The woman replied, ‘No one, sir! ’
Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I;
So, go; from now on, do not sin.’
Then Jesus spoke to them again,
‘I am the one light of the world!
Who follows me won’t have darkness;
But will walk in the light of life.’
The Pharisees then said to him,
‘You testify on your behalf;
Your words remain unverified.’
Then Jesus answered and told them,
‘What I speak can be verified,
Because I know from where I come;
I also know to where I go;
But, you know nothing about both!
You judge by looks but I don’t judge!
But if I should, it is valid,
Because I am not all alone;
My Father is with me, who sent; .
But even in your law ’tis writ,
‘Two men’s words can be verified;
I testify on my own stead;
So, does my father who sent me.’
They asked Him, ‘Where is your Father? ’
Then Jesus replied as follows:
‘You neither know me, nor father;
If you knew me, you’ll know Him too.’
He spoke these words in temple ground;
Yet, none did arrest him thus far!
Then He said, ‘I’m going away,
And you will try to look for me;
But you will die in your own sin.
To where I go, you cannot come.’
The Jews asked one another then,
‘Is He going to kill himself?
What did He mean by saying thus:
‘You cannot come to where I go! ’
Then Jesus continued to speak,
‘You belong to what is below;
I belong to what is above;
You belong to this very world;
I don’t belong to mother earth.
If you don’t believe that I AM,
You will then die in your own sins! ’
They asked Him, ‘So, Then, who are you? ’
Then Jesus said, ‘What did I say
From the very beginning then?
I condemn you for things you say,
Because the one who sent is true,
I tell the world what He told me.
They did not know of who He spoke;
He spoke to them of His Father.
‘The one who sent me is with me;
He has not left me all alone;
I always do what pleases Him.’
Many came to believe Jesus.
Jesus said to Jews, who believed,
‘If you remain in words of mine,
You truly will be disciples.
And you will know the truth also;
The truth will set you surely free!
They told him, ‘We’re from Abraham; .
We weren’t enslaved to anyone; .
Why should we then be set afree?
Then Jesus answered all of them,
‘Amen, amen, I say to you.
All sinners are enslaved by sin.
A slave remains not forever;
A son remains in house always!
If son frees you, you’ll truly be! ’
‘I know you come from Abraham
And yet, you try to kill me soon;
My words find no place within you;
I tell you what I’ve heard and seen
My father do in heaven then,
So you may do a similar thing.’
They said, ‘Our father’s Abraham!
Then Jesus told, ‘If Abraham,
His children ought to do his works.
But now, you try to murder me,
A man who heard the truth from God?
Then do you do your father’s works? ’
They said, ‘We aren’t illegitimate!
We have one father, who is God!
Jesus said, ‘If God’s your father,
You would then love me and not kill,
For, I’ve been sent by God to you!
Why don’t you understand my words?
Is it you cannot bear to hear? ’
‘Your father is the devil then;
You carry out his desires;
He was a killer from the start
And loves to hide the truth by lies;
He has no truth in him at all.’
‘He is the father of all lies;
He is a liar by nature;
I speak the truth, you don’t believe;
Can anyone charge me with sin?
So, believe me, I speak but truth;
Whoev’r belongs to God, hears Him.’
The Jews answered and said to him,
‘Are we not right in saying that
You’re a possessed Samaritan?
Then Jesus said, ‘I’m not possessed;
I honor my loving Father;
I do not seek my own glory;
Amen, amen, I say to you:
Who keeps my words, will not meet death’
The Jews said, ‘you’re surely possessed;
Abraham died like all prophets;
Yet, you say we will not taste death?
Are you greater than Abraham?
Are you greater than all prophets?
Who do you think, you want to be? ’
Then Jesus told, ‘My glory’s worth
Nothing if I self-glorify;
But glorifies me, my Father,
Of whom you say, ‘He is our God! ’
You do not know Him; I know Him;
If I say otherwise, ’tis lies.
I know Him well and keep His word;
Abraham rejoiced to see me;
He saw my day and was so glad.’
The Jews then said, ‘You aren’t fifty
And you have seen old Abraham?
Then Jesus said to them, “Amen,
Amen, I say to you; before
Abraham came to be, I AM! ”
They picked up stones to throw at Him;
But Jesus out of temple slid.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-23-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 3)
Nicodemus, a Pharisee,
A ruler of the Jews, one night,
Came and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi,
We know, You are a Teacher great,
Who’as come from God and does these signs,
For without God’s help, none can do.’
And Jesus answered him, ‘Amen,
I say, none can see God’s kingdom
Without being born from above.’
But Nicodemus queried Him,
‘How can one grown be born again?
He can’t reenter mother’s womb.’
So, Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say,
None can enter God’s kingdom sans
Being of water, spirit born.
What’s born of flesh is flesh alone
What’s born of spirit is spirit! ’
Be not amazed for I told you,
‘You must be born from above first.’
‘The wind does blow to where it wills,
And you can hear the sound, it makes,
Yet, you know not from where it comes,
Or none predicts to where it goes.
’Tis so with all from spirit born! ’
Nicodemus then queried, ‘How? ’
Then Jesus answered him and said,
‘Teacher of Israel, you don’t know? ’
‘Amen, Amen, I say to you,
We speak of what we seem to know;
We testify what we have seen;
Yet, people do not accept it.’
‘If you can’t believe earthly things,
How can you believe heave’nly ones? ’
To heaven none have gone except
The Son of Man who has come down.’
Like how Moses lifted serpent,
Lifted up, must be Son of Man,
For believers’ Eternal life.
For, God so loved the world, He gave
His one Son; He who believes Him
Shall perish not but have Eternal Life.
God’s Son wasn’t sent to condemn world,
But that the world be saved through Him.
One who believes Him, will not be condemned,
One who doesn’t, has been condemned already
Because he didn’t believe God’s only Son.
When light had come into the world,
Yet, people chose darkness to light,
Because their works were evil ones.
The wicked hate the divine light
And do not wish to come to it
So that their works might get exposed.
Who lives in truth comes to the light,
So that his works for God be seen.
Then Jesus went with disciples
To baptize in Judea town.
John was baptizing in Aenon,
As water plenty was there found.
A Jew and John’s disciples fought
About ceremonial washings;
They came to John and said to him,
‘One who with you was in Jordan
Is baptizing here all who come.
John said, ‘None can receive a thing
Except what’s given from heaven.
You know I’m not the Messiah,
But I was sent just before Him.’
‘Who has the bride is the bridegroom;
The best-man hears his voice with joy;
This joy of mine is now complete.
He must increase; I must decrease.
One from above is above all;
The earthly one speaks things of earth;
The heavenly one is above all.
He testifies what He has heard and seen;
His testimony, no one accepts still!
He who does, agrees God is trustworthy.
The one God sent, speaks God’s own words.
He does not ration spirit’s gift;
The Father loves the Son so much;
He has given all things to Him.
Whoev’r believes Son, has eternal life;
Whoev’r Son disobeys, will not see life.
The wrath of God remains on him!
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 1)
In the beginning was the word,
And the word was with God,
And the Word was God,
And He was the beginning!
Every thing came to be through Him,
And without Him, nothing did not;
What came to be through Him was life,
And life was light of human race.
The light had shone amidst darkness,
And darkness hasn’t overcome it;
A man named John was sent by God
To bear testimony to light,
So that, through him, all may believe.
He wasn’t the light but came
To only testify to it;
True light enlightening persons
Was in the world which didn’t know him;
His own people didn’t accept him;
To those whoev’r accepted him,
The power to be a child of God
And to believe in his name was given.
All were born but of God alone,
And not through nature or by man;
The word became flesh, dwelt ’mongst us;
Like the Father’s, we saw his son’s
Glory too, full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried,
“This is He of whom I had said,
The one who comes soon after me,
But ranks ahead of me because
He had existed before me.
From his fullness, we all received
Grace after grace through Moses’ law,
While grace and truth came through Jesus;
None has ever seen God,
The son of God alone who was
At his father’s side, revealed him.
This is the testimony of St.John:
The Jews from Jerusalem sent Levites
And priests to John and asked him, “Who are you? ”
He admitted, “I’m not the Messiah.”
So, they asked him again, “Who are you then? ”
“Are you Elijah? ” and he said, “I’m not.”
“Are you the prophet then? ” He answered, “No.”
They queried him, “Just tell us who you are?
Let’s take an answer to those who sent us;
“What do you have to tell about yourself? ”
I am a voice in desert that’s crying,
“You make the way straight for the Lord.”
Some Pharisees then asked him, “Why baptize
If you are not the Messiah or else? ”
John answered them, “I baptize with water;
But there’s amongst you, one whom you know not,
And whom you neither recognize at all;
He is the one who will come after me;
His sandal-strap, I’m unfit to untie.
This happened in Bethany in Jordan.
On seeing Jesus the next day, John said,
“Behold the Lamb of God who washes sins away! ”
He is the one who’s expected to come
Soon after me but ranks ahead,
Because he had existed before me!
I didn’t know him but baptized with water.
So that he may be made to Israel known;
John testified more, “I saw the Spirit
Descend from the sky like a dove on him.
The one who had sent me to earth to preach
Told me, “On whomev’r you see the Spirit
Come down, remain, he is the one
Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit!
I’ve seen and testified that he’s the Son of God! ”
The next day, John was there again
With his two disciples
On seeing Jesus walk near-by, he said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God! ”
The two disciples heard whatev’r he spoke
And they followed Jesus.
Then Jesus turned and asked of them,
“What are you looking for? ”
They said to him, “Rabbi (Teacher) , where do you stay? ”
He said to them, “Come and you’ll see.”
So, they went and saw where he stayed,
And stayed with him that day.
It was four in the afternoon.
Andrew, (Simon Peter’s brother)
Was one of the two who‘d heard John
And too followed Jesus.
He found his brother Simon and told him,
“We’ve found the Messiah (the Anointed) ”.
He brought Simon to Jesus, who told him,
“You’re Simon, son of John.
You will be called Cephas, meaning Peter! ”
The next day, Jesus went to Galilee
And finding Philip, said, “You follow me! ”
Now Philip was from town of Bethsaida.
He found Nathanael and said to him,
“We’ve found the one about whom Moses wrote
In law and prophets also did like-wise:
Jesus, son of Joseph of Nazareth.”
Nathaniel asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?
So, Philip said to him, “Just come and see! ”
On seeing Nathanael come, Jesus said,
“An Israelite true, there’s no duplicate! ”
Nathaniel asked him, “How do you know me? ”
When Jesus answered him, “I saw you ’neath the fig-tree.”
Nathanael said, ” Rabbi, You’re Son of God, King of Israel! ”
But Jesus queried him, “Do you believe
Because I saw you under the fig-tree?
You’ll see much greater things than this.”
He said to him, “amen, I say to you,
You’ll see the sky open, God’s angels come
Ascending, descending on Son of Man! ”
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-20-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 12)
Six days before the Passover,
Jesus had come to Bethany;
With Lazarus raised from the dead,
They had a dinner over there.
Then Martha served the food for all,
While Lazarus had reclined there,
And Mary took some perfumed oil,
Anointing Jesus’ feet with love
And dried them with her silken hair,
As house got filled by oil fragrance!
Then Judas Iscariot remarked,
‘Three hundred days’ wages worth oil!
Why should it not be giv’n to poor? ’
(Not that he cared for poor) , he said.
So, Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone;
Let this be for my burial;
You always have the poor with you;
But I’ll not be with you always.’
A crowd of Jews came to see both,
Jesus and also Lazarus,
Whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
The Chief priests planned to kill the two
As people more, believed in Him.
The next day, when the crowd had heard
That Jesus would come for the Feast,
They took palm branches to meet him
And cried aloud, ‘Hosanna, King!
Blest’s He, who comes in the Lord’s name.’
Then Jesus sat upon an ass!
For, it was already written:
‘O daughter Zion, fear no more!
Your king comes seated on an ass! ’
His disciples didn’t understand;
Later, when He was glorified,
They remembered these things of Him,
That happened as written earlier.
The crowd that testified, remained;
They followed Him wherev’r He went;
The Pharisees felt jealous then,
‘We seem to be gaining nothing;
The whole world has gone after Him! ’
Some Greeks had come to worship too.
They came to Philip and asked, ‘Sir,
We wish to see the man, Jesus! ’
Philip and Andrew told Jesus.
Then Jesus told, ‘The hour has come
For Son of Man be glorified.
‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
Unless the wheat grain dies in soil,
It just remains a grain of wheat;
But when it dies, it gives much fruit! ’
‘Whoever loves life, loses it;
Whoever hates it, preserves it
For eternal life, after death.’
‘Whoever serves me, follows me,
Where I’m, my servant too is there;
Father honors, he who serves me.
I’m troubled now. What can I say?
O Father, save me from this hour.
But, for this purpose, I had come! ’
My father, glorify your name.’
A voice from heaven was heard then:
‘I’ve glorified and will again.’
The crowd then thought it was thunder.
But others said, ‘An angel spoke! ’
Then Jesus said, ‘This voice didn’t come
For my sake but, for your sake just.’
Now is the judgment-time on earth;
The world’s ruler is driven out.’
‘And when I’m lifted off the earth,
I’ll draw all people to myself.’
He indicated he would die!
The crowd then asked, ‘We’ve heard the law
That Messiah remains forev’r;
Why should they lift the Son of Man?
Who is this Son of Man truly? ’
Then Jesus said, ‘The light will stay
With you, perhaps, a little while;
Walk while you have the light with you,
So that, the darkness doesn’t overcome.’
‘Whoev’r in darkness walks, knows not
To where he is truly heading.
Believe the Light while it is there,
So that, you are children of light.’
Then Jesus left and hid himself!
Though Jesus performed many signs,
They didn’t believe in him at all.
Isaiah’s word was fulfilled thus:
‘Who has believed our teaching, Lord?
To who was Lord’s might revealed then? ’
He blinded eyes and hearts of theirs,
So that, they may not see by eyes,
Nor understand with help of hearts,
And be converted, to be healed.’
Isaiah saw his glory then.
Many believed in him despite,
The Pharisees order threat’ning
To expel from the synagogue.
They wanted human praise only.
So, Jesus told, ‘Whoev’r believes
In me, believes Him who sent me.
Whoev’r sees me, sees Him as well.
I came into this world as light,
So that, they stay not in darkness.’
‘If hears my words one and heeds not,
I wouldn’t condemn him anytime,
For, I had come to save the world.
Whoev’r rejects my words and me,
Will be condemned on the last day:
‘Because I did not speak on own;
I tell what Father goads me speak.
His Commandment’s eternal life.
So, what I say, I say as told.’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-24-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 16)
‘I‘ve told you so that you don’t go astray;
They’ll expel you from all the synagogues;
The hour has come when people kill you too;
And think they worship God by offerings’
‘They neither know me well nor my Father,
And so, they’ll try to do these crimes and sins;
When comes the hour, remember what I’ve said;
I didn’t tell earlier for I was with you.’
‘And now, I go to my Father’s abode,
And no one seems to ask, to where I go,
Because I told you, grief has filled your hearts;
The truth is that ’Tis better that I leave;
For, if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come;
But when I go, I’ll send him to you fast.’
‘And when he comes, he’ll convict world in sin
And condemn evils done upon the earth:
Sin, because they don’t believe in me;
Righteousness, as you can’t perceive me well;
Condemnation, for the earth’s ruler;
I have much more to tell, but you can’t bear.’
‘Spirit of Truth will guide you just to truth;
He’ll speak whatev’r He hears and not on own;
He will declare the things that are to come;
He’ll glorify me and declare to you;
All things my Father has are also mine;
He’ll take what’s mine and declare unto you;
A little while and you will not see me;
A little while and you’ll see me again! ’
‘What He meant by a little while? ’ they asked
We do not know what He means really;
When Jesus saw they were discussing this;
‘Amen, amen, I say to you, said He;
You’ll weep and mourn while world still rejoices;
Your grief will joy become with fleeting time! ’
‘Woman in labor lies in anguish great;
The hour has come to deliver a child;
She forgets all the pain, she underwent,
Because the joy of bringing forth a child,
Surpasses pain of any delivery! ’
‘Likewise, you are afilled with anguish now;
But when I see you once again later;
Your hearts will surely rejoice endlessly,
And none can take away that joy from you.
That day, you’ll question me not anything.’
‘Amen, amen, amen, I say to you,
Whatev’r you ask of my Father in heav’n,
He’ll give you when you ask it in my name;
Till now, you have not asked for anything;
You will receive until complete is joy! ’
‘I have told you in figured speech before;
The hour has come when no longer I talk;
But I will clearly reveal my Father.’
‘That day, although you’ll ask in my name but,
I tell you I shall ask my Father not;
My Father Himself loves you much because
You’ve loved me and believed that I’m from God.
From Father, I had come into this world;
I’m leaving to my Father to return.’
‘His disciples told, ‘Now your talk is clear,
And spoken well without figures of speech;
We realize that you know everything,
And need not have to question anyone,
Because, we all believe you are from God.’
Then Jesus answered, ‘You do now believe! ’
‘Behold the hour has come to be scattered
To homes and you will leave me all alone;
But I am not alone, my Father’s with me.
I’ve told because you might have peace in me;
This world will give you troubles aplenty;
But be courageous, I’ve conquered the world!
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 11)
When Jesus had given commands to each,
He went away to towns to preach and teach.
When of his works, then John from prison heard,
He sent his disciples to Him and asked,
‘Are you the one to come or Messiah
Or should we be in search for another? ’
Jesus said, ‘Tell John, what you hear and see.
The lame can walk, the blind again can see;
The deaf can hear, lepers are cleansed truly;
The dead arise alive, the poor have peace;
Proclaimed is Good News to them poor with ease.
Blessed’s the one who takes no offence at me.’
Then Jesus told the crowds about John’s deeds:
‘In desert, simply dressed, on locusts feeds
A man called John, more than a prophet stayed,
To tell about God’s kingdom, God had made.’
‘This is the one about whom it is writ:
‘Behold, I send my messenger ahead,
He will prepare the way for you, unread.’
‘Amen, I say to you, of women born,
None can be greater than the Baptist, John.
The least in heave’n is greater than him John! ’
‘Violent are the days from John till now;
But, this has been prophesied from above;
He is Elijah, who’s one yet to come;
Whoev’r has ears to hear are most welcome.’
‘How can this generation be compared?
Like children in market-places who aired:
We played the flute but you did never dance;
We sang a dirge, but you ne’er mourned by chance;
Though John came neither to eat nor to drink,
They said he’s demonized with devil’s link’
About the Son of Man, they said, ‘O look,
A glutton, drunkard, friend of sinners, spook.
But wisdom vindicates all that they did.’
Then Jesus reproached towns which didn’t repent,
Although his great signs were done as He went.
‘O woe to Bethsaida and Chorazin,
Where mighty deeds were done, yet live in sin!
Had they been done in Sidon and Tyre,
They would’ve long back repented to admire.’
‘Will Capernaum be exalted to heav’n?
You’ll go down to the nether world, I say;
If mighty deeds done in your ’midst had been
In Sodom done, it would have still remained;
‘’Twill be more tolerable for Sodom,
On the Day of Judgment than for you all.’
So, Jesus said in reply, ‘Father Lord,
Of earth, heaven, although you’ve hid these things
From the wise and learned people of the world,
Yet, you’ve revealed them to the child-like ones!
For, such has been your gracious will, Father;
To me, from you, all things were handed o’er.’
‘And no one knows the Son, except Father,
And no one knows the Father except Son,
And ones to whom Son wishes to reveal.’
‘All over-burdened ones and who labor,
Then come to me, I’ll give rest that world can’t.
By taking my yoke on you, learn from me;
For, I am meek and humble of all hearts,
And you will find the rest for selves truly,
As light’s my burden and my yoke easy.’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-31-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Save Them Father
Father you are always on my mind, I love you Father and trust
in you with all my heart. I have no questions for your decisions,
my faith is strong and true.
Father I’m in awe when I look around this world, when I stand
and take in the awesome views, I know this is the work of the
Master, and that Master for certain is you.
This morning Father I pray for those without faith, who can not
see pass their noses. They have eyes that function, but they
truly can not see.
Father give these blind people the ability to come out from their
deadened shells, touch them with your spirit, let them see the
light.
Oh Father God, drench them with your love so they make no
mistake. Take them by the hand so some day they too will
walk through Heaven’s Gate.
Father sometime young people are taken in by those who have
no interest in their soul but only in the money that they hold.
The devil’s people live among us, taking advantage of many.
Your children need your guidance Father and your continued
patience for I truly believe some day they will come out of the
darkness, walk into the light and face the truth.
Father I leave these people to you, in your caring hands. May
they make Jesus the center of their lives and join their brothers
and sisters who know the truth, save them Father.
I Love you Father and I ask this Lord in the name of your only
Son Jesus.-Amen
Written: Sept.30,2007
poem by Melvina Germain
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 12)
It was the Sabbath day, when Jesus walked,
Through a field of grain with His disciples,
Who being hungry, picked some heads of grain,
And ate them while the Pharisees had watched.
They then remarked to Jesus about them.
On Sabbath day, his disciples had done
An act, unlawful, according to them.
Then Jesus asked them, ‘Haven’t you read
How David and his friends had fed,
When hungry they became one day,
And ate the offered bread that lay,
Inside the House of God which he
Ought not to eat but ones priestly! ’
‘Have you not read the Sabbath Law?
That priests that serve in temples are
Violating, though innocent? ’
‘There’s something more than temple here.
If you had known what was meant by
‘Not sacrifice, I desire mercy,
You would not condemn such things done.
The Son of Man’s, Lord of Sabbath! ’
Then, Jesus went into the synagogue.
There was a man with withered hand;
Is it right curing on Sabbath?
They asked to accuse Him therefore.
Then Jesus asked, ‘If your sheep fell
On Sabbath day, into a pit,
Would you not lift it out at once? ’
‘Is not man’s life more valuable?
’Tis lawful doing good on Sabbath day.’
He told the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’
The man did so and was restored.
The Pharisees then decided
To wait and then, put Him to death.
As Jesus knew their evil plan,
He left that place to another.
And many followed Him with faith
And Jesus cured their illnesses.
He warned them not to publicize.
This was to fulfill what was said
By prophet Isaiah before:
‘Behold my servant I’ve chosen
My beloved, in whom I delight
I’ll place my Spirit upon Him;
He’ll bestow justice to Gentiles.’
‘He’ll not contend or cry out and
His voice will not echo in streets;
A bruised reed, He will not break;
A burning wick, He’ll not put out,
Until He turns victorious,
And in His name, Gentiles will hope.’
They brought to Him, a demoniac,
Who was blind too and also mute.
He cured the person immediately;
He started speaking and could see.
The crowd was astounded and asked,
‘Could this be perhaps, David’s Son? ’
But Pharisees remarked, ‘This man
Drives out the demons by the pow’r
Of Beelzebul, prince of demons! ’
As Jesus knew what they had thought,
He said to them, ‘A kingdom that’s
Divided will be laid to waste;
A house divided cannot stand;
If Satan can drive out one more,
How can his kingdom ever stand?
And if I drive the demons out
Through Beelzebul, by whom do you?
I drive out demons with God’s help,
The Holy Spirit assists me!
God’s kingdom shall be upon you.’
‘How can one steal a strong man’s house unless,
He ties the man up before he plunders?
Whoev’r is not with me is against me;
Whoev’r that does not gather, then scatters.
Every sin will be forgiven people,
But sin against the spirit will not be.
Whoever speaks against the Son of Man
Will also be forgiven without fuss;
Who speaks against the Holy Spirit won’t
Be forgiven now or in age to come.’
‘The tree is known by fruits, it shall put forth;
Either the tree is good and so is fruit
Or rotten tree producing just bad fruits.’
‘You brood of vipers, how can you talk good
Things when your heart is filled with evil-hood?
For, speaks the mouth from fullness of the heart.’
‘The good from good person comes from like store.
An evil person delivers evil;
On Judgment Day, each one renders account
For every careless word, he spoke in life;
By your words, you’ll be acquitted, condemned.’
Some of the scribes and Pharisees then said,
‘Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.’
Then Jesus told, ‘A sign, an unfaithful
And evil generation seeks but then,
They will be given none except the one:
The sign of Jonah, prophet that all know;
Just as how Jonah stayed in fish’s belly,
For three days and three nights, so will the Son
Of man, be inside the heart of the earth.’
‘On Judgment day, Nineveh’s men will rise,
Because they heard Jonah and repented;
The queen of south will likewise then arise,
Because she heard King Solomon’s wisdom.’
‘When unclean spirit leaves a person, then
It roams through regions but cannot find rest,
And so returns to home that it had left;
It finds it empty, clean and in order;
It goes to bring back seven worse spirits,
And thus the person’s condition worsens;
Thus will this evil generation be.’
While speaking thus, his mother, brothers came,
And wished to speak to Him most urgently;
But Jesus asked, ‘Who’s my mother, brothers? ’
‘He showed His hand at His own disciples
And said, ‘Here are my brothers and mother!
Whoever does the will of my Father,
Is my mother, my sister and brother! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-1-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: 1 John 4
Do not believe in all spirits;
Find out if they have come from God;
False prophets have come to the world;
But how can you ascertain them?
A spirit that acknowledges
That Jesus came in flesh from God,
Is from God, Almighty Father;
And that which says that Christ isn’t Lord,
Is spirit of the antichrist,
Which you have heard is coming now,
And has already entered world.
You are from God too, dear children;
You’ve overcome the bad spirits;
The one in you is greater than
The one found in the world by man;
They’re from the world and speak like-wise;
The world listens as they entice;
Whoev’r knows God, listens to us,
As we are also from same God;
Whoever isn’t from God does not,
Then listen to us anytime.
This is the way to recognize,
The true spirit from that, that’s false!
God’s Love and Ours:
Dear friends, lets love one another,
As love comes from God the Father;
The ones who love are born of God,
For God is love and love knows God.
God showed His love for all of us,
By sending His one Son Jesus,
Into the world, die for our sins,
Like Lamb of God for sacrifice;
So that, we may then live through Him.
God’s love is not because we loved
Him, but He loved man as beloved;
We ought to love one another,
As God loved us like our Father;
No one has ev’r seen God as yet,
But if we love one another,
God will reside in us forev’r!
We live in Him and He in us,
As He has given His spirit;
We testify we’ve seen the Son,
Whom Father sent as world’s Savior;
If you acknowledge Son Of God,
God lives in him and he in God;
Therefore we know God’s love for us.
As God is love, whoever loves,
Then lives in God and God in Him;
Thus, love is made wholesome in us;
We’ll stand in confidence ‘fore God,
On Judgment-Day as we’re like Him.
There is no need for fear in love,
For, perfect love drives out all fear;
Fear comes when we await God’s rod;
Imperfect is the love with fear.
God loved us first and then we love;
The one who says, ‘I love God but
Hate my brother is a liar! ’
He who does not love his brother,
Although he has seen him so well,
Cannot love God, the unseen one;
God has given this commandment:
‘Whoev’r loves God, loves his brethren.’
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 6)
‘Let righteous deeds be performed then,
Such that the people don’t see them;
For, otherwise, you can’t expect
Reward from your heavenly Father! ’
‘When you give alms, give quietly;
Don’t like hypocrites blow trumpet,
In synagogues and in the streets
To win the praise of all others.’
‘When you give alms, let your left hand
Not know what your right is doing;
Let it be secret alms-giving,
So that, your Father repays you.’
‘Don’t pray like hypocrites who stand
In synagogues and street-corners,
And pray so that others can see.’
‘They have had their reward, ’ I say.
‘Go to your inner room to pray,
And close the door and in secret,
Ask your Father all that you want.
Your Father then will repay you! ’
‘Don’t babble like how pagans do,
Who think their prayers will be heard
Because they have so many words.
Your Father knows before you ask.’
Then, this is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.’
‘Give us today our bread;
Forgive our debts,
As we forgive our debtors;
Don’t bring us to the final test;
Deliver us from evil One! ’
‘Forgive transgressions of others;
Then forgive you, will your Father;
If you don’t forgive your brothers,
Neither will He, you, your Father.’
‘Don’t gloomy be, whenev’r you fast;
Your face shouldn’t show that you’re downcast;
The hypocrites reveal their fast;
Amen, I say, they’ve got reward.
Whenev’r you fast, anoint your head,
And wash your face to appear fresh;
Your Father alone should know it;
He’ll repay in a manner fit.’
‘Don’t store for yourself earth’s treasures,
Where moth-destroyed and decay sets,
And thieves break in to steal them off;
Store up your treasures in heaven,
Where moth or decay don’t destroy,
And thieves don’t break in to steal them.
For, where your treasures tends to lie,
Your heart will tend to stay near-by! ’
‘The eye serves as the body’s lamp;
If eye be sound, body has light;
If eye is bad, body has night;
If body’s light in darkness stays,
How much more darkness, one will face? ’
‘Know that one can’t serve two masters;
He’ll hate the one and love the next,
Or be devoted just to one.’
‘You can’t serve God and too mammon.’
‘Is life not more than food and drink?
Isn’t body more than just clothing? ’
‘Look at the birds of sky so blue;
They neither sow nor do they reap;
They gather nothing into barns;
Yet, your heav’nly Father feeds them! ’
Aren’t you more important than they? ’
‘Can one of you by worrying add
A single moment to life-span?
Why are you anxious of your clothes?
Learn from the flowers wild to grow;
They neither work nor do they spin;
I tell you, not ev’n Solomon
Was in his splendor, clothed alike,
The gorgeous flowers in the wild.’
‘If God so clothes the grass of fields,
Which grow to be thrown in fire,
Will He not provide more for you,
O you, of little faith. have you? ’
‘So, do not worry what to eat?
And do not worry what to drink?
And do not worry what to wear?
All such things, pagans also seek.
Your heav’nly Father knows your need.’
‘So, seek the kingdom of God first,
And seek His righteousness and love;
All things will be given besides.’
‘Do not worry about morrow;
Tomorrow takes care of itself;
Each day has share of own evil! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-29-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 5)
There was a feast for Jews just then;
Went Jesus to Jerusalem;
There was a pool called Bethesda;
In which there lay the ill, blind, lame.
There was a man who had been ill
For years thirty-eight, lying there;
As Jesus knew his long illness,
He asked, ‘Do you want to be well? ’
The sick man answered Him, ‘Oh, Sir,
I haven’t someone to put me there,
In pool of water that’s near-by;
Someone else gets there before me.’
Then Jesus told the man who’s ill,
‘Arise, take up your mat and walk.’
And instantly, the man turned well;
It happened on a Sabbath-day.
Jews told the man who had been cured,
‘On Sabbath, you shouldn’t carry mat.’
He said, ‘The man who made me well
Told me to walk and take my mat.’
They queried him, ‘Who told you so? ’
There was a crowd around the place;
By then, Jesus had slipped away;
The man didn’t know, that Sabbath day.
Next, Jesus found the man again,
And said to him, near the temple,
‘Now well you’re, don’t sin anymore,
So that worse things do not happen.’
The man then left and told the Jews
That Jesus only made him well;
Because on Sabbath, Jesus healed,
To persecute Him, Jews began.
So, Jesus told, ‘My father works
Until now; So, I also work.’
The Jews therefore tried all the more
To kill Jesus who Sabbath broke,
And made himself to God, equal.
So, Jesus answered them and said,
‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
A son can’t do a thing by self;
He sees his father and so does.’
‘The loving father shows his son
All things, He himself tries to do;
And He will show him greater works,
That astonishes all on earth.’
‘Just as the father raises dead,
The son gives life to anyone.
The father will not judge someone,
But allows son to give judgment.’
‘So that all may honor the son,
Just as the father, they honor.
Whoever doesn’t honor the son,
Does not the father too, who’d sent.’
‘Amen, I say, ’ said Jesus then,
‘Whoever hears my word, believes
The one who sent me to this world,
And later gets eternal life;
And will not be condemned at all,
For, he has passed from death to life.’
‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
The hour has come for dead to hear,
The voice of God’s son, right now, here,
And live forev’r will those, who hear.’
‘Like father has life within him,
The son has also life in him.
Don’t be amazed, the hour will come,
And all in tombs will hear his voice.
‘All who’ve done good will resurrect,
To eternal life, in heaven,
And wicked too will resurrect,
To be condemned in hell’s fire.’
‘I cannot do a thing on own;
My judgment will be just and fair,
Because I seek not, my own will
But will of one, who sent me here.’
‘If on my own, I testify,
No one can then, it verify.’
But there is one who testifies
On my behalf and truly, wise.’
‘John testified the truth to you;
I don’t accept what earthlings say;
I yet, say this, be saved you may.’
‘John was a burning, shining lamp
And for awhile, you loved his light; .
I testify ev’n more than John;
My father’s works, I here perform
To show my father has me sent.’
‘My father who has sent me here,
Has testified on my behalf;
His form remains unseen by you;
His voice, no one has ever heard.’
‘His word in you does not remain,
As you do not believe his son;
The scriptures testify for me
You search it for eternal life.’
‘Yet, you don’t come to me for life;
I do not accept human praise;
You do not have God’s love in you;
I came in my father’s dear name.’
‘Yet, you do not accept my words;
If someone comes in his own name,
You’ll accept him and give him fame.’
You can’t believe when you accept
The praises from one another;
And yet, not seek the praise that comes
From only God, my dear father.’
‘I won’t accuse you ’fore father;
But Moses will, in whom you hope;
For, if you believed Moses then,
You would have believed me, Amen.
Though Moses wrote about me, still
Believe my words, you all, how will?
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-22-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Luke Chapter 10 (Verses 1-16)
Like lambs amongst the wolves,
The Lord Christ Jesus sent
Seventy-two others
To go in pairs to towns
And places to visit.
‘The harvest is so rich
But laborers are few;
So, ask God of harvest
To send more laborers.’
‘Without purse, haversack;
Without sandals for feet;
Saluting none on road,
On God’s work, they would leave.’
‘Peace be unto this house! ’
– would be their first few words
in houses they entered,
And nothing more or less.
‘If man of peace lived there,
Your peace will rest on him;
If not, it will return
Back to you instantly.’
‘Stay in that very house,
And eat what they offer;
Don’t move from house to house.’
Cure those in it who’re sick;
Say, ‘God’s kingdom is near! ’
‘If unwelcome in towns,
go out into its streets;
Shake off the dust from feet
Say, ‘God’s kingdom is near! ’
And Jesus said to them,
‘On God’s great final day,
it would be much easy
for Sodom than that town.’
Alas! For Corazin;
Alas! For Bethsaida;
If Tyre and Sidon saw
Miracles, you’d witnessed,
Repented, they would have
with sack-cloth and ashes!
It would be bearable
still, for those towns than you.
And Capernaum would be
Flung down to hell instead
Of going to heaven.
‘One listening to you,
pays heed to me as well;
Whoever rejects you,
rejects One who sent me! ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-8-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Mark (Chapter 10)
Across the Jordan, Jesus made His way
Into the place called Judea wherein,
Crowds gathered and by custom, He taught them.
The Pharisees awaited to test him
And asked, “By law, can husband divorce wife? ”
But Jesus asked, “What Moses did command? ”
They said, “To dismiss her by divorce-bill.”
Then Jesus said, “Because of your hard hearts,
Did Moses write you such a commandment? ”
God made them male, female at creation;
A man shall leave his parents, join his wife;
No longer are they two but single flesh;
What God has joined, no one can separate.
His disciples then questioned once again.
He said, “He who divorces wife, commits
Adultery by marrying another.
By divorcing husband, the wife commits
Adultery by marrying another.
And people brought children to Him to bless.
His disciples rebuked them by habit.
So, Jesus said, “Let children come to me.
Prevent them not for, Heaven will be theirs.
Unless child-like, you cannot enter it.
He embraced them and blessed each one of them.
As He was setting out on a journey,
A man came running, knelt to him and asked,
“Good Teacher, tell me what I ought to do
On earth, to inherit eternal life? ”
And Jesus answered, “Why address me ‘good’?
No one is good except Almighty God!
You know the commandments, you ought to keep?
He said, “I’ve observed them all since my youth.”
Then Jesus said, “You lack in just one thing.
Go sell all that you have and give the poor.
You’ll have treasure in Heav’n; then, follow me.”
At this, the man turned sad and went away,
As he possessed a lot of wealth with him!
So, Jesus turned to disciples and said,
“’Tis hard for wealthy ones to reach heaven! ”
A camel passes through a needle’s eye
With ease but not one rich can, heaven’s gates!
His disciples asked, “Then who can be saved? ”
“For human beings, ’tis impossible.
All things are possible for God, ” He said.
Then Peter told, “We gave up everything.”
Jesus replied, “One who gives up all things
For sake of Gospel’s and for me receives
A hundred times more in this present age,
And persecutions and eternal life!
Many first shall become last, the last, first!
Then Jesus started to Jerusalem;
He went ahead of them; they were amazed;
And those who followed seemed to be afraid;
To twelve disciples, Jesus spoke again,
“Behold, we go to Jerusalem town;
They’ll hand over the Son of Man
To scribes, chief priests who’ll condemn Him to death;
And hand Him over to Gentiles:
They’ll mock at Him; and spit on Him; scourge Him;
Put Him to death; after three days, He’ll rise!
Then James and John came up to Him and asked,
“Will You do teacher, what we ask of You? ”
So, Jesus asked, “What do you want from me? ”
They said, “Grant that in glory, we may sit with You,
One at your right, the other at your left.”
But Jesus told, “You know not what you ask;
Can you drink from the cup that I drink from,
Or be baptized the way I am baptized?
They answered Jesus, “yes, we can.”
Said Jesus, “Yes, the cup I drink, you’ll drink;
The baptism I get, you will also.
But to sit at my right or left isn’t mine
To give, but is for those for whom it’s been prepared.”
The other ten got angry at the two.
Then Jesus called and said to them, “You know
Those rulers over Gentiles recognized,
Lord it ov’r them and make their power felt.
However, it shall not be so ’mongst you.
Whoev’r wants greatness will be your servant;
Whoev’r then wants to be first will be slave of all;
The Son of Man did not come to be served;
He came to serve and give His life for all.
While leaving Jericho, a blind beggar
By road-side, Bartimaeus, then cried out,
“O Jesus, Son of David, pity me.”
Rebuking, many tried to silence him.
He kept on calling loudly all the more:
“O Son of David, have pity on me.”
So, Jesus stopped and told that he be brought.
They told the man, “Get up, He’s calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up and came.
When Jesus asked, “what do you want of me? ”
The blind man told, “O Master, I want sight! ”
So Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you, Go! ”
Immediately, he saw and followed Him.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-19-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 8)
When Jesus came down from the mountain-side,
A great crowd followed Him, leper beside;
The leper paid Him homage and begged, ‘Lord,
‘If you so wish, you can make me too, clean! ’
So, Jesus stretched His hand out and touched him
And replied, ‘I’ll do it. You be made clean.’
His leprosy had vanished immediately.
Then Jesus told him, ‘See that you tell none.
Go show the priest that you are fully cleansed.
As proof, you offer Moses’ prescribed gift.’
When Jesus entered Capernaum, there came
A centurion who approached Him and said,
‘My servant lies at home Lord, paralyzed,
For days, he’s suffering most dreadfully.’
Then Jesus told him, ‘I’ll come home and cure.’
The centurion replied, ‘O Lord, I am
Not worthy to have you under my roof,
Just say the word, my servant will be healed.’
‘For, I’m a person with authority,
With soldiers many under my command;
I say to one, ‘Go, ’ and he goes at once;
I order another, ‘Come here, he comes;
And to my slave, I say, ‘Do this, he does.’
When Jesus heard this, He was so amazed.
He said to those who followed Him, ‘Amen,
I say to you, in Israel, none I’ve seen,
With faith so strong as this centurion’s.’
‘Many will come from east and west, I say
To sit with Abraham, Jacob, Isaac,
At the banquet in kingdom of heaven,
But the kingdom’s children will be driven,
Out in the darkness where there will be much
Wailing and grinding and gnashing of teeth.’
Then Jesus told centurion, ‘You may go,
Let it be done for you as you’ve believed.’
That very hour, his servant got well healed.
Then Jesus went to Peter’s house and saw
His mother-in-law in bed with fever;
He touched her hand and fever left at once;
She rose and waited upon Him that day!
By evening time, they brought to Him many
Who were by demons, spirits too possessed;
He drove the spirits out by simple words,
And cured the sick and suffering who came.
Thus, Isaiah, the prophet’s words came true:
‘He took our infirmities, diseases.’
When Jesus saw a crowd large, surround Him,
He gave orders to cross to other side.
A scribe approached and said to Him, ‘Teacher,
I’ll follow you wherever, you may go.’
And Jesus answered him, ‘Foxes have holes;
Birds of the sky have nests but Son of Man,
Has not a place on earth, to rest His head.’
One of his disciples said, ‘Lord, let me
Go first bury my father who is dead.’
But Jesus ordered him, ‘Just follow me.
Let dead bury their own dead by themselves.’
Then Jesus and disciples went by boat.
A violent storm then brewed upon the sea;
The boat was hit by waves, He lay asleep;
They came and woke Him saying, ‘Lord, save us!
For, we’re perishing in the stormy sea.’
He asked them, ‘Why are you so terrified?
You ones of little faith! He then got up.
He chided winds and sea and there was calm.
The surprised men then asked, ‘What sort of man
Is this whom winds and seas also obey? ’
They came to other side called Gadarenes;
Two savage demoniacs from tombs met Him.
No one could dare to travel by that road.
On seeing Jesus, they cried, ‘Son of God,
Why have you come into our habitat?
Do you then come to torment us early? ’
A herd of swine was feeding near-by there.
The demons pleaded, ’If you drive us out,
Then, permit us to enter the swine herd.’
Then Jesus said, ‘Go then, and they came out!
The demons went into the swine near-by;
The whole herd rushed down-slope, the steep bank-side
And fell into the sea and were all drowned.’
The swine-herds ran away to town and told
All that had happened to demoniacs.
The townspeople then came to meet Jesus.
They begged Him leave their place immediately!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-30-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 26)
Then Jesus told His disciples,
‘’Twill be Pass-ov’r in two days’ time;
The Son of Man will handed be
Over to them who crucify! ’
So, chief priests and all elders there
Assembled in Caiaphas’ palace.
They consulted with the high priest
On how to arrest Jesus by
Treachery and put Him to death.
They decided not to do so,
During the festival-time as
A riot, people could then cause.
In Bethany, while Jesus was
Within Simon, the leper’s house,
There came a woman with a jar
Of costly, perfumed oil and poured
It on his head while he reclined.
His disciples grew indignant
And asked, ‘Why waste such costly oil?
The money could have been given
Better to poor as charity! ’
As Jesus knew this, He told them,
‘Don’t you trouble the woman as,
A good thing for me, done, she has! ’
‘The poor can always have you but
You’ll not have me with you always.
By pouring oil on my body,
She prepared it for burial! ’
‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
Wherever this gospel is proclaimed
On earth, her act will be retold,
And lauded in her memory.’
Then one amongst the Twelve, Judas
Iscariot went to the chief priests
And asked, ‘What will you give to me,
If I hand him over to you? ’
They paid him thirty silver coins.
From that time onwards, he looked for
A chance to hand Jesus over.
When on the first day of the Feast
Of Unleavened Bread, disciples
Asked, ‘Where do you want us to prepare
For you to eat the Passover? ’
Then Jesus directed them to,
Go see a certain man and tell:
‘My teacher says his time draws near;
He’ll celebrate the Passover,
With his disciples in your house.’
His disciples did as ordered;
They prepared for the Passover;
By evening, Jesus sat with Twelve,
And while eating it, He told them,
‘One amongst you will betray me! ’
Upset, they all began to say,
‘Surely it cannot be I, Lord.’
He said, ‘He who has dipped his hand
Into the dish with me is him!
The Son of Man indeed thus goes,
But woe to him who this thing does;
Better for him not to be born.’
His betrayer Judas then said,
‘Surely, it is not I, Rabbi! ’
‘You have said so, ’ then Jesus told.
While eating, Jesus took the bread
And blessing it, He broke and said,
‘This is my body, Take and eat.’
Then, Jesus took the cup of wine,
Gave thanks and giving it to them,
Said, ‘Drink from it, all of you here.
This is my blood of covenant,
That will be shed for many’s sake,
For forgiveness of any sin! ’
‘From now onwards, I shall not drink,
The fruit of vine, until the day,
I drink it new with you, I say,
In kingdom of my Father, Aye! ’
They sang a hymn and climbed the mount.
He said to them, ‘Tonight, your faith
In me will shaken be as writ:
‘I‘ll strike the Shepherd, and the sheep
And entire flock will be dispersed.
But after I have been raised up,
‘Fore you, I’ll go to Galilee! ’
But Peter said in reply, ‘Lord,
Though all may have their faith shaken,
My faith in you will same remain.’
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Amen,
Tonight before the cock has crowed,
Three times, you would have me denied.’
But Peter said, ‘Ev’n if I die,
I will not deny you at all.’
And all disciples spoke alike!
Then Jesus entered Gethsemane;
He asked his disciples to pray.
He took along with Him, Peter
And the two sons of Zebedee
And felt sorrow and great distress.
He said, ‘My soul is sorrowful
Ev’n unto death. Remain with me
And keep a watch with me all here.’
He walked a bit and fell prostrate
In prayer to His dear Father,
‘If possible, let this cup pass
Away from me, not as I will
But as You will! ’
When he returned to disciples,
He found them all in slumber fast.
He asked of Peter, ‘Couldn’t you watch
And keep vigil for just one hour? ’
‘Watch and pray to avoid the test.
The spirit wills but flesh is weak! ’
Then Jesus went and prayed again,
‘My Father, if this cup must pass
And I must drink, thy will be done! ’
He found them all asleep again.
They could not keep their eyes open;
He went to pray for a third time,
And said the same thing all again.
Returning to his disciples,
He asked them, ‘You sleep and rest still?
Behold, the hour is nearing fast
When Son of man is handed to
Sinners by my betrayer soon.’
While He was speaking thus, Judas,
One of the Twelve came to Jesus,
And following him, a crowd with swords
And clubs, chief priests, elders like herds!
His betrayer had pre-arranged
A sign with them- ‘the man he kissed
Was Jesus and to arrest Him! ’
So, Judas went to Jesus, said,
‘Hail, Rabbi! ’ And Him, he had kissed.
Then Jesus told to him, ‘Dear friend,
Do what you have come for and end.’
They came forward and laid their hands
On Jesus and arrested Him.
And one of Jesus’ followers
Drew out his sword and struck the ear,
Of high priest’s servant and cut it!
Then Jesus advised him to put
His sword back in its sheath and said,
‘All who take swords, shall perish so! ’
Do you think that I cannot call
My Father at this moment to
Provide me angels, legions twelve? ’
‘But then, how would the scriptures be
Fulfilled which say,
That it must come to pass this way? ’
Then Jesus told the crowds that came
‘Have you come with sword, clubs, to seize
Like a robber, when with much ease,
You did not arrest me those days,
I sat teaching in temple place? ’
‘But all this has to come to pass,
So that the prophets’ writings may
Be fulfilled in its time and way.’
His disciples had left and fled!
They arrested Jesus and led
To Caiaphas, high priest and the head,
While scribes and elders assembled.
But Peter followed him as far
As, the high priest’s courtyard and where
He sat with servants and entire
Sanhedrin and chief priests did dare
To obtain false evidence for
Putting Jesus to death on cross!
They brought many false witnesses
But could not gather trespasses;
And finally came two forward
And said, ‘This man had told he would
Destroy the temple of the God
And within three days, it rebuild! ’
The high priest asked, ‘Can you answer?
What are they testifying here?
But Jesus stood in grave silence.
The high priest ordered Jesus hence,
To speak on oath and with good sense,
Before the living God whether,
He was his Son and Messiah? ’
So, Jesus said in reply then,
‘You’ve said so, but I tell you men
You will see the son of Man in Heaven
Seated at the right hand of the Power
And coming within clouds’ cover.’
The high priest tore Jesus’ robes
And shouted, ‘He has blasphemed, yes,
Why do we need more witnesses?
You have all heard his trespasses! ’
‘What is your opinion? ’ He asked.
They said together, ‘He must die! ’
Upon His face, some of them spat;
Some others struck Him and some slapped,
And asked Him, ‘Prophesy, who struck? ’
Outside the courtyard, Peter sat;
A maid came ov’r to Him, said, ‘What,
I saw you too with Jesus there! ’
In front of all, Peter denied,
And said, ‘I don’t know what you talk about! ’
He went out of the gate but then,
Another girl saw Him and said,
‘This man was with the Nazarene! ’
Then Peter under oath denied.
‘I do not know the man! ’ he lied.
Some by-standers then told Peter,
‘You surely are one or other;
Your speech gives you away, brother! ’
Then Peter cursed and swore that he
Ne’er knew the man nor did him see! ’
The cock then crowed immediately!
Then Peter remembered the words
That Jesus had spoken earlier:
Before the cock crows, you will then
Deny me three times, before men! ’
He went out and wept bitterly!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-14-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 10)
Then Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say!
Whoev’r enters not through the gates,
But climbs the fence of the sheep-fold,
Is thief or robber doubtlessly! ’
‘Whoever enters through the gate,
Is but the shepherd of the sheep;
The watch-man opens gates for him
He calls his sheep, each one by name.
And leads them out, till last comes out,
And walks ahead while follow sheep,
Because they recognize his voice;
But they will follow not strangers;
They will not heed the different voice’
None could understand what He told;
So, Jesus said, ‘Amen again,
I am the gate for all the sheep;
All those who came before were thieves;
My sheep did not listen to them.’
‘I am the gate for sheep’s entry!
Whoever enters me, I’ll save
They come in, go out to pastures;
A thief enters only to steal;
He also comes to destroy, kill;
I came so that all may find life,
And have it in abundance too.’
‘I am the Good shepherd to all;
Good shepherd gives his life for sheep;
If hired man and sheep not own,
He leaves them to the wolf’s mercy,
Which catches them and scatters all.
This is because, he works for pay,
And has no true concern for sheep! ’
‘I am the Good Shepherd, Jesus;
I know my sheep, they know me too;
Just as my Father knows me well,
I’ll lay my life down for my sheep;
But other sheep are there as well;
They do not belong to this fold;
These sheep also, I ought to lead,
Until they recognize my voice;
And there be one flock, one shepherd! ’
‘My Father loves me for this cause:
My life I’ll lay for Him because;
No one else can take it from me;
I’ll lay it on my very own;
I’m empowered to die, arise!
A command that my Father gave.’
Again there was chaos ’midst Jews;
Some said, ‘He seems to be possessed;
While others said, ‘These aren’t words
Of someone who’s possessed because
A demon does not open eyes,
Of persons blind surely, truly.’
The Feast of Dedication came;
By then, the cold winter set in.
Then Jesus walked in temple place,
On portico of Solomon;
Some Jews surrounded Him and asked,
‘How long you keep us in suspense?
Just tell us if you’re Messiah? ’
So, Jesus answered them and said,
‘I told you but you don’t believe;
My works I do in Father’s name,
And so they testify to me.
You don’t believe for you are not
Among the sheep, I shepherd now.’
‘My sheep all hear my voice and come,
To follow me, to where I go.
They are given eternal life,
And so they shall never perish.
None can take them off my hand; .
My Father is greater than all;
And none dare take them off His hand.
My father and I are but one.’
The Jews again took rocks to throw.
Then Jesus said, ‘I’ve shown good works:
For these, you want to stone me then? ’
The Jews answered Jesus and said,
‘We’ll not stone you for your good works,
But you’ve committed blasphemy:
You make yourself equal to God? ’
Then Jesus said, ‘Is it not writ
In book of laws that you are gods? ’
‘If they are gods for who came word,
The scripture can’t be set aside.’
‘Can you call me, bless’d by Father,
One who blasphemes because I said:
‘I am the Son of God, Father! ’
If you can’t do my Father’s works,
You need not try to believe me.
But if I do, despite the fact
You don’t believe, believe the works;
So that, you understand the fact,
The Father’s in me, I in Him! ’
They tried arresting him again
But he escaped from their power.
He went across river Jordan,
To where John baptized Him at first,
Remaining there for quite sometime.
And many came to Him and said,
‘John then performed no sign like you,
But everything he said comes true! ’
So, many did believe in Him.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-23-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Mark (Chapter 14)
With Feast of the Unleavened Bread,
(Passover) to take place in two days’ time,
The scribes and chief priests planned to arrest Him
By treachery and send Him to the cross;
They feared a riot during festival.
While at the house of Simon, the leper
In Bethany, a woman came and poured
A jar of oil perfumed over his head.
‘Why’s there a waste of perfumed oil? ’ Some asked,
They seemed to be angry with her because
It costed some three hundred days’ wages;
But Jesus asked, “Why do you trouble her?
She did something really good for me.
You can do charity for poor all times;
But you will not have me always with you.
She anoints my body for burial!
What she has done, the Gospel will tell you.
Then Judas Iscariot set off quietly,
To meet the chief priests to hand Jesus o’er.
They promised him money for doing so;
His disciples wanted to know where they
Were to prepare for eating the Passover.
Jesus sent two disciples and told them,
“Go to the city where you’ll meet a man
Carrying a jar of water; follow him.
When he enters a house, tell the master,
“The Teacher wants to know the guest room where
He may eat the Passover with the twelve.”
Then he will show an upper room quite large
And furnished; Make the preparations there.
The disciples found things as He had told.
When evening came, He went along with twelve.
As they were eating, Jesus said to them,
“One from amongst you will betray me soon.”
Distressed, they said, “Surely, it is not I! ”
Jesus said, “One of you who dips with me! ”
Woe to that man by whom I’ll be betrayed.
’Tis better that that man be never born!
He blessed the bread and broke and gave to them,
“This is my body that I’ll give for you.”
“He took the cup, gave thanks, all drank from it.
This is my blood that will be shed for you.”
“Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink
The fruit of vine until the day I drink
It new in God’s Kingdom, that is Heaven.”
After a hymn, they went to Mount Olives.
“Your faith will be shaken, for ’tis written,
“I’ll strike the Shepherd; Sheep will get dispersed.”
After my resurrection, I will go
To Galilee, before any of you!
But Peter said, “My faith will stay steadfast! ”
But Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
’Fore the cock crows twice, you’ll deny me thrice! ”
But Peter disagreed vehemently.
Though I must die, I will not deny you.
They reached a place called Gethsemane garden
And Jesus said to them, ” Sit, while I pray.”
He took Peter, James, John and seemed distressed.
He said, “My soul is sad even to death.”
He walked a bit, fell on the ground and prayed.
He said, “Abba, All things, you can well do.
O Take away this cup, if it is your will.”
When he returned, Peter was in slumber.
He said, “Could you not keep watch for one hour? ”
Watch and pray that you be not put to test.
The spirit’s willing but the flesh is weak.
He once again began to pray awhile;
When he came back, he saw them all asleep.
He came a third time and found them asleep.
“It is enough. The hour has come”, he said.
Behold, the Son of Man will be handed.
Get up, let’s go. My betrayer’s ready.
Then Judas came, and brought a crowd with swords.
With clubs, they came from chief priests, scribes, elders!
His betrayer would kiss His master’s cheek.
As pre-planned, Judas kissed Him on His cheek;
At this, they laid their hands on Jesus Christ.
A by-stander cut off a servant’s ear.
Haven’t you come with swords and clubs to seize me?
For days, I was with you on temple ground,
And teaching, yet, you did not arrest me,
So that the scriptures may be fulfilled thus.
A young man with just linen cloth followed
They seized him, leaving the cloth, he ran off!
Jesus was led away to the high priest;
The elders and scribes too came together;
Peter followed him into the courtyard;
He sat with guards warming by a fire;
The chief priests and Sanhedrin tried to get
Testimony against Jesus but couldn’t.
Many did give false witness against him;
Some testified against him alleging,
“We heard him say, he’ll destroy the temple
Within three days, build another new one.
The high priest rose and questioned Him saying,
“Why do these men testify against you? ”
But Jesus was silent and answered not;
The high priest asked, “Are you the Messiah? ”
And Jesus said, “I am; you’ll see the son
Of Man seated at the right hand of God
And come atop heavenly clouds;
At that, the high priest tore His garments off;
What further need of witnesses we have?
You heard the blasphemy. What do you think?
They condemned Him as deserving to die!
Some blind-folded Him and spat on Him;
They struck Him asking, “Prophesy, who struck?
A high priest’s maid saw Peter by the fire.
She looked at him, asked, “Were you with Jesus! ”
But Peter said, “I know not what you talk.”
He left for the outer court; the cock crowed;
The maid told others, “This was one of them.”
Again, Peter denied what the maid said;
The by-standers said, “You’re a Galilean! ”
And Peter cursed and swore he knew nothing,
And the cock crowed a second time at once;
Then Peter remembered what Jesus said,
“Before the cock crows twice, you’ll deny thrice.”
The frightened Peter wept most bitterly.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-20-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Phoenician Woman Of Faith
your praying every single time
your heart is moved to take in
a stray dog or cat; I remember
a Phoenician woman who cried
out to the Lord, son of David;
because her daughter was badly
demonized; Jesus said to his disciples
“I was not sent forth to any but
to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
When the woman made obeisance
saying “Lord, help me! ” In answer
Jesus said “It is not right to take the bread
of the children and throw it to little dogs.”
With a mother’s love praying for her
daughter the Phoenician woman replied
“Yes Lord, but even the dogs do eat
of the crumbs falling from their master’s
table.” Jesus replied “Oh woman, great
is your faith; let it happen to you
as you wish.” In faith her daughter
was healed from that hour on. Thus Matthew 15: 21-28.
every time we give more than
we have to give we emulate Jesus
who gave to a faithful Phoenician
woman although she was not
a lost sheep of the house of Israel
she received in faith her daughter
healed just like similar faith encounter
a Roman centurion from Capernaum
who believed from a distance Jesus
could heal because he had authority
and in faith the manservant was healed Matthew 8: 5-13.
God gives authority as God has chosen
Jesus cared even when his disciples
thought Jesus should not it was Jesus
who miracle feed hungry five thousand
every time Jesus cared when others
thought Jesus should not to Father God
Jesus was praying as every single time
we care when others think we should not
we are also praying as my own father
was often praying when others knew it not
Inspired by the poem ‘You’re Praying’ by Eric Cockrell.
poem by Terence George Craddock
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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