By Shannon, Assistant Coordinator of the Companions Program
These are familiar people
Whose names I remember
And sometimes forget.
We have been through life
Together
Apart
Together
Again
Once strangers, we are now family
In a mysterious sort of way
Water and Wine
Bread and Voice
The Spirit makes it so
Trying to follow the One who loves us and binds us together
Trying to see the Presence in each one.
And now it is Lent.
When their hands hold me up
And my hands hold them up
And we search each other’s eyes
And say “I’m sorry”
With the heart
This precious time
To re-connect
With God
With myself
With these others
Who have sheltered, kept vigil and listened
And with those who have not
It is Lent
Now is the time
Of rebirth
Of springtime
Impossible
I know
With snow on the ground
But there it is
The Mystery
Oh blessed time
When these people I’ve gathered with for years
Cry over hurts given
And for forgiveness received
And the liberation of Peace descends
And our exchange of Peace
Is that much more authentic.
Your hands hold me up
And mine hold you up
And together we journey
Toward the One who calls us
Out of the tomb
