THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

You enfold me, entwine and embrace me.
You handle me, hold me and hide me.
You wrestle me, welcome and want me.
Your chin by my ear,
your hand in my hair,
your arm ’round my back,
my arms rounding you,
my face on your chest;
I’m held in your warmth.
Your eyes keep close watch,
mine close in deep peace.
Your fingers stroke softly
my head’s numbered strands.
Your grip is a gift,
your grasp saving grace.
You whisper, “You’re mine,
I call you by name:
you’re found and forgiven,
brought home and beloved.”
I breathe back, “Yes, I am
shaped and healed by your hand.
You call me by name:
I am yours, you are mine.”

-From the Concord Pastor, Father Austin Fleming

Father Bill +