Church of the darkness

Gethsemane, 13 December 2010

It's hard to stay awake Lord
Even in this place
Feeling cold and damp.
I always imagined it was easy
and the disciples slack and tired
But I knelt
- here now with the comfort of an altar rail
on which to lean.
Outside the barrier
For I can't get any closer to the rock
- of despair and exhaustion.
And even with horns outside
And tourist's digital flashes
It's hard not to close your eyes,
Just for a minute
Amidst this still dark beauty.
But you asked for more than wakefulness
You ask us also to watch
and bear witness

To you at your most human.
Herded through the checkpoint
Cattle runs
Shoes and belt removed
To scan your hand
Awaiting rejection, accusation and denial
Taunted by name calling
Arab, terrorist
When confrontation is before you
And aloneness
as you are picked off one by one
But bearing the weight of the tribe
And culture on your shoulders.
Let us all be watchful.

Rest for now in the olive garden
Renew your resolve
This is not over yet.