Listening

When we listen

   only for and in

      our own language,

         Pentecost is nothing more

            than the drunken stupor

               of country boys

                  come to town;

its ethnic flavor

   leaves a bad taste

      in our mouth,

         yearning us toward

            English-Only referendums,

               tighter border controls.

But for those who're learning

   to hear in the dialect

      of neighbor – maybe even

         the brogue of love –

transcendent tongues

   of fire are an invitation

      to listen through

         the amplifier of hospitality,

            seeing the web of grace.

Are you ready

   for prophesying progeny,

      for dreaming elders,

         for visioning youngers,

            for trafficked and guest workers

                to awaken the gospel?

© 2015 Todd Jenkins