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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 24)

While Jesus left the temple place,
His disciples approached Him soon,
And told Him point the buildings out.
Then Jesus told them in reply,
‘All structures that you can now see,
Amen, amen, I say to you,
Not a stone upon another
Shall ev’r remain but down be thrown! ’

And as He sat on Mount Olives,
His disciples then asked of Him,
‘O tell us when this will happen?
What sign will herald your coming?
What clue will tell us end of age? ’

Then Jesus answered their questions,
‘Just see that no one deceives you.
Many will come in my name then,
Saying, ‘I’m Messiah from God! ’
‘And thus deceive the multitude;
You’ll hear of wars and wars will come;
Don’t be alarmed for they must come;
And yet, it will not be the end;
Nation will rise against nation;
Kingdom will rise against kingdom;
There will be famines and earthquakes,
Those occur everywhere on earth;
But these are just the beginnings.’

‘They’ll persecute you and kill you;
They’ll hate you as you spread my name;
And many will be led into sin;
They’ll hate and betray each other;
False prophets will arise galore;
The increased evil will cause love
Of many to become so cold;
The ones who persevere until
The end, alone will be then saved.’

‘The Kingdom’s Gospel will be preached,
To nations of the entire world,
And only then, the end will come.’

‘When Daniel spoke of this same thing-
Desolate abomination
Then, those in Judea must flee
To the mountains immediately.
Don’t go down to get things from house;
Don’t return from the field for cloak;
Woe to pregnant women those days;
Pray that this doesn’t come in winter;
Let it not happen on Sabbath day.’

‘Such tribulation that occurs.
Has never occurred anytime,
Since the beginning of the world,
Nor will it happen thereafter.
And if those days are not shortened,
None can be saved and hence shortened
It will be, for the elect’s sake! ’

If one says, ‘Here’s the Messiah!
Or there He is, don’t believe it!
False prophets, messiahs shall come,
And perform signs and wonders too
So great, as to deceive common
People and even the elect! ’

Behold, I‘ve told it beforehand;
They may say, He’s in the desert,
Or He’s in the inner rooms;
Do not believe the things all say! ’

‘Like lightning that is seen afar,
So will be, Son of Man‘s coming!
Vultures are found where corpses lie! ’

Following the tribulation:
‘The mighty sun will dark become,
The moon cannot bestow its light;
The stars will shoot down from the sky;
The powers of heavens will be shaken.’

‘The Son of Man’s sign will appear,
In heaven while the earth’s tribes mourn;
The world will see Him come ’midst clouds,
In pow’r and glory unheard of;
His angels will all blow trumpets;
And gather all the elect then,
On earth from four winds that do blow
Across the heavens, end to end.’

‘You learn a lesson from fig-tree:
When branches tender turn, sprouts come,
It means that summer is quite near.’

‘In like manner, when signs you see,
The Son of Man is near at gates;
Amen, I say to you, amen,
‘This generation shall not pass
Away, until these things conclude.’

‘Heaven and earth shall pass away
But words of mine shall never pass.
That day and hour, no one knows yet;
Neither the angels in heaven,
Nor the Son, except the Father! ’

‘In the days before the great Flood,
There was just eating, drinking much,
And marrying, remarrying until
The day, Noah entered the Ark! ’
‘No one guessed the flood would come;
It carried them away so fast;
So shall be when comes Son of Man! ’

‘Of the two men out in the field,
One will be taken, other left;
Of two women, grinding at mill,
One will be taken, other left, ’

‘Therefore you stay awake, alert;
You never know when comes the Lord;
If only house-lord knew the hour,
Then he will stay awake, not let,
The house to be burgled at night;
So, too, you all must be prepared,
For the Son of Man shall arrive
At an unexpected hour then.’

‘The prudent, faithful servant then,
Who distributes food in right time,
And master finding him do so,
Blessed and lucky is that one:
Master puts his wealth in his charge.’

‘The wicked lazy servant who
His master has not expected
But beats his fellow servants, eats,
And drinks with drunkards while he’s gone! ’

‘His master comes by surprise then,
At unknown hour to punish him,
Rather severely in a place,
Where exist wailing and teeth-grinding! ’

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Mark (Chapter 13)

While coming out of temple’s area,
One of his disciples said to Jesus,
“Look Teacher, what stones; what buildings! ”
And Jesus said, “There will not be one stone
Left upon another, that’s not thrown down! ”

While sitting on Mount Olives, some asked Him,
“What sign will appear when things come to end? ”
But Jesus said, “See that you’re not deceived.”
Many will come in my name to deceive.
When happen wars, it will not be the end.
Kingdoms and nations will fight each other.

Earthquakes and famines will be beginnings;
Watch out for they will hand you to the courts;
In synagogues, you’ll beaten be!
Because of me, you will suffer a lot;
But Gospel must be preached to nations first.

Do not worry what you must say ahead.
Just say what’s given to you at the hour.
The Holy Spirit speaks for you, not you!
Siblings will hand one another to death;
Children will rise against their own parents;
You will be hated by all just for me;
Who perseveres till end will be ones saved.

When you see desolation standing then,
From Judea one must flee to mountains.
The one on his house-top must not come down;
He must not enter house to get things out;
One in a field mustn’t come to get his cloak.

Woe to pregnant women, nursing mothers;
Pray that this happens not in winter time;
Those are the days when tribulations come,
Those never have been since God’s creation;
The Lord shortened the days to save souls more;
Don’t you believe if told, “There’s Messiah! ”
False prophets will work wonders to mislead;
Be on your guard. I’ve told you all ahead!

After those days, the sun will become dark;
The moon will give no light and stars will fall;
The ‘Son of Man’ in clouds will come in power;
His angels will gather His elect all,
From end of earth to end of unseen sky!

When leaves on fig-trees sprout, ’Tis summer near!
These things will show that He is near at gates;
This generation will not pass, I say,
Until these things have fully taken place.

Heaven and earth will pass but not my words;
Only the Father knows the day and hour!
Be watchful and alert; you don’t know when;
Like man going abroad, leaving his home,
And servants with work, Gate-keeper ‘on guard’!
When the house-lord returns, you do not know.
Let him not come suddenly, while you sleep!
What I say to you, I say to all, “Watch! ”

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.

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. Matthew (Chapter 16)

The Pharisees and Sadducees
To Jesus came, to test and asked,
‘Do show us a heavenly sign.’

He replied, ‘If evening sky’s red,
Tomorrow will be fair, you say.
If morning sky be red, today
Will be rather a stormy day.’
You know to judge the sky’s patterns,
Yet, cannot judge the signs of times.’

For a generation evil,
And unfaithful one, no sign will
Be given, except Jonah’s sign.
Then, He left them and went away..

On the other side of the sea,
They found that they had not brought bread.
And Jesus said, ‘Look out, beware
Of the leaven of Pharisees.’

His disciples thought, Jesus said
Because they had no bread with them.
Then Jesus said, ‘you faithless ones,
Why did you draw such conclusion? ’

‘Didn’t you remember the five loaves
That fed five thousand and more ones?
Didn’t you remember the seven,
That fed four thousand and more ones?
How many loaves remained also!
How is that you don’t comprehend?
The leaven of the bread had meant
The teachings of the Pharisees! ’

In Caesarea Philippi,
He asked, ‘what do people say I’m? ’
They said, ‘Some say, John, the Baptist,
Others, Jeremiah, prophets! ’
He then asked, ‘What do you say I’m? ’
Then Peter said, ‘You’re Messiah,
Son of the Living God, that’s One.’

And Jesus then said, ‘Blessed are you
O Simon Peter, Jonah’s son.
For, flesh and blood didn’t reveal this,
But my heavenly Father just.’

And so I say to you Peter,
‘Upon this rock, I’ll build my church..
The nether gates shall not prevail.
I’ll give the Kingdom’s keys to you.
Whatev’r you bind on earth shall be
Bound also in heaven likewise;
What you loosen on earth shall be
Loosened in heaven, similarly! ’
He ordered them not to reveal
That He was truly Messiah! ’

Then Jesus told his disciples
He must go to Jerusalem,
And suffer greatly from elders,
Chief priests and scribes, and be killed then,
And to become raised on third day!

Then Peter taking him aside
Said, ‘God forbid Lord, let nothing
Like that ever happen to you! ’

But Jesus said to Peter then,
‘Just get behind me, Satan, you,
You’re an obstacle to me too!
You are not thinking as God does.
You think as human beings do.’

Then Jesus said, ‘Whoever wants
To follow me must deny things
Take up his cross and come after.
For, he who saves his life shall lose,
Who loses life for my sake, lives! ’

‘What profits one to gain the world
But just forfeit his life on earth?
What can one’s life be exchanged for? ’

‘Amen I say, some of you here,
Will not taste death, until you see
The Son of Man come in glory,
By angels flanked one day, surely! ’

(6-3-2007)

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!

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?

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Mark (Chapter 11)

And when they neared Jerusalem,
Bethphage, Bethany (Mount Olives) ,
He sent disciples two and told,
“Go to the village, opposite you,
On entering it, you’ll find a colt,
Tethered, on which no one ev’r sat.
Untie and bring it here. If asked,
“Why do you do this? ” say, “The Master needs.
He’ll send it back soon afterwards.”

They found the colt as Jesus said.
They answered queries as He’d told.
They brought the colt, their cloaks on it.
Some people spread their cloaks en way.
Some spread cut leafy-branches too.
Then Jesus sat and rode on it.

Some went ahead. Some followed Him,
And said, “Hosanna in Highest!
Blest is He who comes in God’s name.
And blessed be David’s kingdom!
Our father that’s to come yet; hosanna!
When Jesus reached Jerusalem,
’Twas late. He went to Bethany.

Next day, He felt very hungry;
He saw a leafy fig-tree far;
He went to look for figs on it:
It had just leaves; it wasn’t fig-time!
“May none eat fruits from you, ” He said.
His disciples didn’t hear these words.

In Jerusalem’s temple’s place,
He drove out those who bought and sold;
He pushed down tables of money-changers,
And pulled down seats of Dove-sellers;
He disallowed to carry things and said,
“Isn’t it writ: My house is just for prayer?
You have made it a den of thieves.”
When scribes, chief priests then heard of it,
They sought a way to put Him soon to death.
They feared Him yet, as crowds loved Him.

When evening came, they left the gates;
By dawn, the fig-tree had withered!
And Peter said, “Rabbi, that tree
You cursed has withered, entirely! ”
Jesus replied, “Have faith in God.”
“Amen, if one tells this mountain
Be lifted up, be thrown in sea,
Without a doubt, it shall be done.”
All that you ask in prayer, just believe.
Then, you’ll receive it and it shall be yours.
Before you pray, forgive others their faults;
Your Heav’nly Father will forgive your sins.

They came back to the Temple’s place,
The scribes, chief priests approached Him, asked,
“By whose authority, you do these things? ”
And Jesus smiled, “answer mine too:
“Was John’s baptism, by heaven or men? ”
They discussed ’mongst themselves and said,
“If say we, of heavenly origin,
He’ll ask, ‘Don’t you believe in him? ”
“And if we say of human origin! ”
They feared the crowd who knew John as prophet.
They said to Jesus, “We don’t know.”
“Neither shall I tell, ” said Jesus.

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. 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.’

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 25)

‘The Heaven’s kingdom is like ten
Virgins, who took their lamps to meet,
The bridegroom in his wedding feast;
Five were foolish but five were wise.’

‘The foolish ones went with their lamps,
Which had no oil in them at all;
The wise ones also took their lamps,
Along with oil to use in flasks.’

‘The bridegroom came a bit delayed;
The virgins felt drowsy and slept;
A cry was heard at midnight loud,
‘Behold, the bridegroom comes, meet Him! ’

The virgins woke and trimmed their lamps;
The foolish ones then asked the wise,
‘Spare us some oil to keep lamps on.’

The wise ones then replied, ‘Sorry,
We need the oil for our own lamps;
It may not be enough for both;
Go to the merchant shop and buy.’

While foolish virgins went to buy,
The bridegroom came during that time;
The ones ready, accompanied him;
The wedding hall’s door was then locked.’

The other virgins then arrived;
They cried, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door! ’
The bridegroom but replied, ‘Amen,
I say to you, I know you not! ’

‘So, stay awake for, you know not
The day, nor hour when bridegroom comes! ’

‘A man who went on a journey,
To all his servants, gave money,
As per each one’s ability.’

‘He gave five talents to the first;
Two talents to the servant next;
One talent only, to the last,
And went away immediately! ’

‘The one who got five talents made,
Another five talents by trade;
The one who had two talents too
Likewise had made another two;
The one with just one talent dug
A hole to bury it in ground.’

A long time passed; the master came
To settle accounts with servants;
He told the first who’d made five more,
‘Well done my faithful servant good;
I’ll give you better jobs to do;
Come share your master’s joy, rejoice! ’

‘He said the same to the second;
The one who got just one talent
Said, ‘Master, I know you too well.
You are a demanding person:
Harvesting where you did not plant,
Gathering when you didn’t scatter.
So, out of fear, I dug a hole
And buried it quite safely whole
Here is your talent you gave me.’

His master then replied to him,
‘You wicked, lazy servant, Oh!
Your master, when you knew so well,
Why didn’t you in a bank, put it,
So that the interest, I could get? ’

‘He took the talent from this one
And gave it to the one with ten;
The one who labors will get more;
The one with less will be made poor!
He ordered then, the lazy one,
Into the darkness, to be thrown,
Where people wail and always groan! ’

‘When Son of Man in glory comes,
His angels will surround Him then,
And He will sit in His great throne!
All nations will stand before Him,
He’ll separate one from the next,
Like shepherd does with sheep and goats.’

‘He’ll place his sheep onto His right
And place the goats onto his left;
To those on right, the king will say,
‘Ye, blessed by my Father, come,
Into the kingdom made for you,
From the beginning of the world! ’

‘For, I was hungry, you gave food;
And I was thirsty, you gave drink;
I was a stranger, you welcomed;
I lay naked and me, you clothed;
When I was ill, for me, you cared;
When in prison, visit, you paid.’

The righteous then will ask the Lord,
‘When did we feed you while hungry?
When did we offer drink in thirst?
When did we welcome you stranger?
When did we clothe you when naked?
When did we care for you when ill?
When did we see you in prison? ’

The king will say to them again,
‘Amen, I say to you, amen,
Whatev’r you did unto the least
Brothers of mine, you did for me! ’

Then he will say to ones on left,
‘Depart from me, you accursed all,
Into the fire eternal,
Prepared for Satan and devils.’

‘For, when I was in hunger great,
You never gave me food to eat;
And when in thirst, for drink, I asked,
You never cared to offer me.’

‘When like a stranger, I met you,
You never cared to welcome me;
I lay all naked, without clothes,
You never cared to spare a dress;
In prison when I became ill,
You never cared to visit me.’

They will then answer and say, ‘Lord,
When were you hungry and thirsty?
When were you naked, a stranger?
When did we fail to meet your needs? ’

He’ll answer them and say, ‘Amen,
What you didn’t do to ones the least,
You did not do unto me too! ’
‘And these will get eternal rod,
While righteous get eternal life! ’

(6-13-2007)

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. Matthew (Chapter 21)

At Bethphage on Mount of Olives,
Then, Jesus sent two disciples,
Into the village opposite,
To find a tethered ass and colt,
And bring them to Him, for His use.
If anyone should ask them then,
Reply, ‘Master has need for them.
He will return them soon after.’

This happened so that what was told
Through prophet might be fulfilled thus:
‘Say to daughter Zion, behold,
Your king comes meek, upon an ass,
And on a colt, beast of burden.’

His disciples did as He told.
They brought the ass and colt and laid,
Their cloaks upon them and He rode.

The large crowd spread their cloaks en route,
While others strew cut branches green,
En way to town Jerusalem.
They walked ahead of Him saying,
‘The Son of David, Hosanna,
Blessed‘s He who comes in the Lord’s name;
Hosanna in the Highest.’

On entering Jerusalem,
The whole city began to ask,
‘Who is this who shakes the town? ’
The crowds replied, ‘Prophet Jesus,
From Nazareth in Galilee! ’

Jesus went into the temple,
And drove out those who bought and sold;
He overturned their tables, seats,
Of money-changers, dove-sellers.

He said unto them, ’ ’tis written,
My house shall be for just prayer;
You shall not make it den of thieves! ’
He cured the blind and lame who came,
To Him, to the temple area.

On seeing Jesus do wonders,
And hearing children cry aloud,
‘Hosanna, Son of David king! ’
The scribes and chief priests turned angry!

They asked, ‘Do you hear what they say? ’
And Jesus said, ‘Yes, haven’t you read:
‘Out of the mouths of infants, kids,
You have brought forth praise unto God! ’

Then Jesus went to Bethany,
And there, He spent the night that day!
And being hungry, when dawn came,
He saw a fig-tree by the road;
But when He went over to it,
He found just leaves and not a fruit!

The angered Lord, then cursed the tree,
‘May you never fruit forth again! ’
The tree withered immediately.
This astonished His disciples;
They asked him what He had just done?

Then Jesus said, ‘Amen to you,
If you have faith and don’t waver,
You can do things similarly;
And if you tell the mountain, ‘Be
Lifted and thrown into the sea,
It shall be done too, instantly! ’
‘Whatev’r you pray along with faith,
You will receive, ‘the Lord, saith.

When He approached the temple place,
The chief priests, elders asked Him then,
‘By what authority, you do?
And who gave you authority? ’

Then Jesus told them, ‘I’ll ask you
One question and if you answer,
I will tell you what you ask of me.’

‘Tell where was John’s baptism from,
Was it of earth or from heaven? ’
They discussed ’mongst themselves and said,
‘If we reply, from heaven, then
He’ll ask, ‘why don’t you believe him? ’
‘If of human origin, then,
We fear the crowd for they regard
The Baptist John as a prophet! ’

So, they told Jesus, ‘We don’t know! ’
He replied, ‘Neither shall I tell,
Who empowers me to do these things.’

Then Jesus asked their opinion:
A man with two sons, said to first,
‘Go, work in the vineyard today! ’
He said, ‘I can’t, ’ but changed his mind
And went to work as father told.

The man then came to his other
Son, gave a similar order;
He said, ‘Yes, I’ll.’ But never went.
‘Which son obeyed his father’s words? ’
They answered in reply, ‘The first! ’

Then Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say,
Tax-collectors and prostitutes
Are entering Heaven ‘foe you! ’

When John had come and preached to you,
The righteous way, you didn’t believe;
Tax-collectors, prostitutes did.
Yet, even after seeing it,
You did not change for the better.

He told another parable:
A vineyard owner raised a hedge
Around it, dug a wine-press too
And erected a watch-tower;
He leased it to some tenants then
And went off on a journey far.

When vintage time drew near, he sent
His servants to obtain produce;
The tenants seized the servants all:
They beat one man and stoned the next;
They killed one servant from the group;

The owner sent then more servants;
They treated them in similar ways;
He sent his son finally then
Thinking, ‘They will respect my son! ’

On seeing son of landowner,
The tenants told one another
‘This is the heir to the vineyard;
Let’s kill him and acquire the land.’
They killed the boy and threw him out.’

‘How will the owner deal tenants? ’
They answered him, ‘he’ll put to death
The wretched tenants; lease vineyard
To other tenants who will give
Him produce at the proper times.’

Then Jesus asked them, ‘Didn’t you read
What scriptures said long ago then:
‘The stone, the builders rejected,
Became the cornerstone and chief
And this was done by God, most High,
And looks wonderful in our eyes! ’

Therefore, I say to you again,
‘The kingdom shall be tak’n away
from you and giv’n to people who
Produce its fruits as per God’s word.
The one who falls upon this stone
Will be to pieces dashed at once
And it will crush on whom it falls! ’

When Pharisees and chief priests heard,
The parables that spoke of them,
They wanted to arrest Him but
Feared the crowds that followed Him,
Regarding Him, Prophet of God.

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!

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 13)

Out of the house, then Jesus went
That day, and by the sea, sat down;
Large crowds had gathered around Him
So, sat He in a boat off-shore,
While crowds were standing on the shore.

He spoke in detailed parables:
‘A sower, went to sow, one day,
Some seeds fell on the path, he walked
And birds ate them up, all at once.’

‘Some fell on rocky ground without
Soil adequate and sprouted but,
The soil wasn’t deep and sun that rose
Had scorched while it withered, rootless.’

‘Some seeds had fallen amidst thorns,
And with the passing of the morns,
The faster growing thorns choked them,
And there remained, just stubs of stem! ’

‘Just some seeds fell on soil-rich ground;
They grew so well and it was found
That they produced fruits many-fold
A hundred / sixty / thirty-fold! ’

‘Those who have ears, then ought to hear! ’
His disciples then questioned Him,
‘Why speak to them in parables? ’

And Jesus told them, in reply:
The kingdom’s knowledge. mystery
To you, has been by God granted,
And not to others by the Lord.’

‘To one who has, given is more;
And richer will he always grow;
From those that have a little then,
Ev’n that will be away taken.’

‘In parables, I speak, that’s why
Because they look but cannot pry
They hear but don’t to them pay heed
Nor do they understand the need.’

Isaiah’s prophecy’s fulfilled;
Though you hear, you understand not.
Indeed they look but dot see.’

‘The hearts of people are so gross,
They hear and yet have hearing-loss;
They’ve closed their eyes, lest they may see,
Their deafened ears have turned stony,
Nor do they understand by heart,
To be by God’s word, a convert;
I heal them all as it’s my part.’

‘Blessed are your eyes because they see
And ears because they hear surely’
Amen, I say to you this day:
So many prophets and righteous
Had longed to see but saw just less,
And did not see or hear quite well
The things you hear and that I tell.’

Then hear the sower’s parable:
‘The seed that’s sown on path is one
Who hears the Word of God and yet,
Does not truly understand it;
The evil one then comes and steals
Away what’s sown within his heart.’

‘The seed on rocky ground is one
Who hears the word at once with joy
But this lasts only for sometime
When persecution, trials come
He tends to fall away from God.’

‘The seed that falls amongst the thorns
Is one who hears the word but then
The lure of worldly lucre choke
And therefore, it can bear no fruit.’

‘The seed that’s sown on soil that’s rich
Is one who hears and understands
And therefore bears fruit manyfold
Depending on each one’s effort.’

He told another parable:
‘Heaven’s kingdom is like a man
In his own field, who sowed good seed;
At night, his enemy sowed weed.
Amongst the wheat and disappeared;
The good crop grew and bore good fruit;
The weeds also grew very well;
His slaves then came and asked landlord,
‘Didn’t you sow good seed in your field?
How did the weeds happen to come? ’

He replied, ’’Tis enemy’s work.’
His slaves then asked the master then,
‘Should we now go, pull out the weeds? ’

The master said, ‘No, if you do,
The wheat could be uprooted too.
Let’s allow both for now to grow
At harvest time, I’ll give orders
To pull out weeds and make bundles;
And burn them until they turn ash,
Then gather wheat and store in barn.’

He told another parable:
‘The kingdom of Heaven is like
A mustard-seed, a person sowed
In a field though, the smallest seed;
When fully grown, it’s a large bush
And birds build nests on its branches.’

He spoke another parable:
‘The kingdom of heaven’s like yeast,
When mixed with much of wheat flour,
It leavens the entire dough.’

Jesus spoke just in parables,
To fulfill what the prophet said:
‘I’ll open mouth in parables;
I will announce what lies hidden
From foundation of this great world.’

When crowds left, Jesus returned home.
His disciples requested Him
To explain parable, He’d said,
That of the weeds, inside the field.

‘He who sows good seed,
Is the Son of Man;
The field’s the world of men;
Good seed are children of kingdom;
Bad seed are children of Satan;
The enemy, devil;
The harvest, end of age;
Harvesters are angels.

‘Just as how weeds are burned
So, at the end of age
The Son of Man will send
His Angels to gather
All evil-doers and
Those causing others, sin.
They’ll be thrown in furnace
Of fire eternal,
With wailing, teeth-grinding;
The righteous shine like sun,
In their Father’s Kingdom! ’

‘Whoev’r has ears, then ought to hear:
‘Heaven ‘s kingdom’s akin treasure,
A person finds buried in field;
He hides it back with joy again
And sells all that he has, to buy
The field with hidden treasure soon.’

‘Heaven’s Kingdom’s like a merchant,
Who goes in search of costly pearls;
And finding just one priceless one,
He sells all that he possesses,
And buys the invaluable pearl! ’

‘Heaven’s Kingdom’s like a net,
That’s thrown into the sea and wet,
To collect fish of every kind.
When full, the net is hauled ashore;
Good ones are isolated there;
The bad fishes are thrown away.’

‘At end of age, ’twill be like-wise
The angels will go separate
The wicked from the righteous ones
And throw them in Fiery Furnace
Where wailing and grinding of teeth
Occur in manner incessant.’
‘Do you then understand? ’ He asked
And all of them well answered, ‘Yes! ’

Then Jesus said, ‘Each instructed
Scribe in Heaven’s Kingdom is like
A head who brings from his household,
And store-room, both the new and old! ’
When Jesus finished parables,
He went away to His place then.

He reached His native place and taught
The people in their synagogue.
They were so astonished and asked,
‘From where did this man get wisdom
And how does He do mighty deeds? ’
‘Isn’t he the carpenter’s son?
Is not His mother Mary called?
Are not His brothers Joseph, James
Simon, Judas and sisters too?
From where does this man get all this? ’

They took offence at Jesus then.
‘A prophet’s not without honor
Except in his house / native place.’
Because of lack of faith in Him,
He didn’t do mighty deeds more there.

(6-2-2007)

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.

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.

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. John (Chapter 11)

A man called Lazarus was ill,
Brother of Mary, Bethany;
This Mary had anointed Lord’s feet
By perfumed oil, dried by her hair!

So, Mary sent word to Jesus,
‘Master, the one you love is ill.’
(Meaning her brother Lazarus)

When Jesus heard, then He remarked,
‘This illness isn’t to end in death.
But for the glory of God’s works
And that the Son be glorified.’

Now Jesus loved Martha, Mary
And Lazarus who’d fallen ill;
He went to Judea later;
His disciples told Him, ‘Rabbi,
The Jews had wanted to stone you,
You want to go back to that place? ’

Then Jesus answered, ‘Are there not
Twelve hours by day for one to walk?
None stumble then for world has light.
But when he walks alone at night,
He stumbles as he has no sight!

Then Jesus said, ‘Friend Lazarus
Has gone asleep, let me wake him.’
They said, ‘If he sleeps, he’ll be saved! ’
But Jesus talked of deathly sleep,
While disciples, of slumber deep.

Jesus told, ‘Lazarus is dead! ’
Let’s go to him that you believe.
So, Thomas said, ‘Let’s die with him! ’

When Jesus reached Lazarus’ house,
He had died four days earlier.
Bethany lay two miles away!

Some Jews arrived to comfort them;
When Martha heard Jesus would come,
She went to meet; Mary sat home.

Then Martha told Him, ‘Lord, if you’d
Been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.’
‘But even now, I know whatev’r
You ask of God, He will give you.’

Jesus said, ‘Your brother will rise! ’
Martha replied, ‘Yes, Lord, I know,
He’ll resurrect on the last day.’

‘I am the resurrection, life! ’
Then Jesus said. ‘Whoev’r believes
In me, ev’n if he dies, will live!
And everyone who lives, believes
In me, will never die at all.
‘Do you believe this? ’ asked Jesus.

Then Martha replied, ‘Yes, my Lord.
I do believe you’re Son of God;
I know that you’re the Messiah,
The one who’s coming to the world!

She told her sister in secret,
‘The Teacher’s here and asks for you! ’
On hearing, Mary rose to greet.
But Jesus had not reached village.

When Mary saw Jesus, she fell
At his feet and said to Him, ‘Lord
If only you had been here then,
My brother would not be now dead.’

On seeing Mary and Jews weep,
Then Jesus perturbed, became sad.
He asked, ‘Where has he been entombed? ’

They said to Him, ‘Sir, come and see! ’
And Jesus wept while Jews all said,
‘Look, how He loved poor Lazarus! ’

But some remarked, ‘Could not the one
Who opened eyes of blind beggar,
Have done something to avoid death?

So, Jesus reached the place of tomb;
It was a cave with stone across;
Jesus said, ‘Take the stone away.
Then Martha said, ’Tis four days now,
Should there a stench be, all around? ’

Then Jesus asked, ‘Did I not tell
If you believe, God’s glory’s seen!
Then Jesus raised his eyes to Heav’n,
And said, ‘I thank you Father, God.
I know You always have heard me,
I said so, that they may believe.’

And having said this, Jesus cried,
‘Lazarus, Come out! ’ in voice loud.
The dead man came with hands, feet tied,
With burial bands and face cloth-wrapped.
So Jesus said, ‘Untie him soon! ’

Now many Jews who had come there,
Began to believe in Jesus.
But some went to the Pharisees,
And told them what he ‘ad done that day.

So, they convened the Sanhedrin,
And said, ‘What do we do hence-forth?
This man performs so many signs.’
If we leave Him alone for now,
All will believe in Him and Rome
Will take away, our nation whole.’

But one Caiaphas, high-priest that year
Remarked, ‘You know not anything,
Nor do you consider better
That one man dies, not more people
And whole nation may not perish,
And gather dispersed God’s children.’

They planned to kill Him, from that day!
So, Jesus didn’t walk in public,
And left for Ephraim, desert-town,
And there He stayed with disciples.

The Jewish Passover was near.
Many came to Jerusalem.
They looked for Jesus everywhere
And wondered if He will ev’r come.

For, Pharisees and chief priests all,
Had given orders to inform,
If they should come across Jesus,
So that, they could arrest Him soon.

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 28)

When Sabbath day was over then,
And week’s first day was still in dawn,
Mary and Mary Magdalene,
Both came to see the tomb again.

Behold, there came an earthquake great,
An angel came from heaven’s gate,
And having rolled away the stone,
The angel sat upon it lone.

He appeared bright akin lightning,
And dressed in white, snowy clothing;
The guards with fear lay shaken then,
And turned at once almost dead men!

The angel told the two women:
‘You fear not for, I’m from heaven!
You search for Him, Jesus, I know,
The one who was crucified, Oh! ’

‘He is not here, right now today;
He has been raised from dead, I say;
Come see the place wherein He lay.
Go tell His disciples this, Aye! ’

‘Raised from the dead, He goes ahead
To Galilee ’fore you, He said;
You can all see Him there, behold,
And certainly, as I have told! ’

The women left the tomb in haste;
Their visit had not been a waste;
Afilled with fear and joy, they ran
To tell His disciples, Oh, man! ’

But Jesus met them on their way;
And greeted them like a great Fay;
They fell and paid Him homage then,
Embracing feet of His divine!

And Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t fear.
Go tell my brothers all you hear;
Ask them to go to Galilee,
And there, they can all well see me.’

When they were hurrying to see them,
Some guards had reached city’s gates,
And told chief priests, the happenings.

They counseled with the elders there;
They gave the soldiers money fair;
And warned them to tell everyone:
His disciples stole Jesus when
They slept at night, as wearied men!

‘They promised them that they would save
From governor, if they behave;
And satisfy his questions well,
And keep them out of great trouble.’

The soldiers took the bribe-money;
They did as they were instructed;
Among the Jews, this false story,
Was wantonly circulated.

The disciples all eleven went
To Galilee’s mountain, as sent,
As ordered by Jesus and saw
Him, worshipped but doubted, in awe!

Then Jesus came and said to them,
‘All pow’r in earth and in heaven,
Has been to me, accorded then.
You go therefore to all nations,
And make more disciples of men.’

‘And baptize them in Father’s name,
Spread Son and Holy Spirit’s fame;
And teach them follow my commands,
And carry out heaven’s errands.’

‘Behold, I am with you always,
Until the end of age, all days! ’

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.’

poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Millennium Prayer

Our Father who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come
thy will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us to thee our daily bread
And forgive our sins
As we forgive each one of those who sin against us
And lead us not to the time of trial
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory
Let all the people sing Amen
In every tribe and tongue
Let every hearts desire be joined
To see the kingdom come
Let every hope and every dream
Be born in love again
Let all the world sing with one voice
Let the people say amen
Amen Amen Amen
Amen Amen Amen (To fade)

song performed by by Cliff Richard
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Bible in Poetry: Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 24)

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Millennium Prayer

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