Ordinary Ministry

We work, play, casually interact

with people every day

who have unspeakable tragedy

lurking just beneath

the surface of their lives.

Sometimes we’re on

the other end, finding

tragedy as our own.

Most of the time there's

no longer visible indication

of this suffering;

occasionally- more often than

we probably realize –

thin places show,

where a fresh coat of normal

does not completely hide

what has been buried

in shallow ground.

Stubbing our metaphorical toe

on another’s invisible pain;

accidentally raking across

non-sequiturs of

rage, anger, shock.

Momentary silence creates

complete change of subject;

punctuation’s pause opens door

to overflowing catacombs of emotion.

Pay attention! These are

places where we can

rise to the occasion

and be fully present;

times for which we are created;

experiences by which,

if we resist the reflex of withdrawal,

we are warmed in love,

soldered together

by God’s healing touch;

foundational blocks for

the priesthood of all believers;

blessed sacraments of ordinary ministry.

Photo by Lee Lindsey McKinney

© 2014 Todd Jenkins