Sacred Encounter

From today’s gospel reading at Mass.

Luke 14: 12-14

Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

A reflection on this gospel passage.

Sacred Encounter

Lighting a votive candle, whispering a quiet prayer

Touching an ornate statue that remains serenely silent

Kneeling before the tabernacle shrouded in mystery

An appreciation of eternity, a sigh of sacred encounter.

A homeless figure laying broken in a shop doorway

Covered in a stained blanket, matted hair protruding

A spent paper cup slightly turned, spilt liquid congealing

Desperate poverty, seeking that touch of sacred encounter.

Fr Patrick Brennan 2022 ©