Why is this Night Different?

As part of the Passover celebration there are several steps. One of the steps is the Maggid. This is where the stories of the Exodus and Israel’s release from captivity in Egypt are retold. Before that happens this part of the evening is kicked off by asking four questions collectively known as Ma Nishtana. The main question is: What makes this night different from all other nights?

This villanelle tries to capture the mood on that first Maudy Thursday as Jesus’ closest followers eat the Passover meal without quite understanding that His hour had come nor how different this night was really going to be from all other nights.

Why is this night different we say
We prepare bread of yeast-less dough
Guarded by the lamb we did slay

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Jesus Speaks to Ears that Hear (villanelle)

Tuesday was World Poetry Day, so I challenged myself to capture some of Jesus’ teachings in in the style of a villanelle.

Sermon of the Beatitudes
 James Tissot, c. 1890

If you have ears to hear, then hear
You are my salt and shining light
Yield not to temptation nor fear

Repent for the kingdom is near
Walk the path that’s not wide but tight
If you have ears to hear, then hear

Store treasures in heaven not here
A choice that requires foresight
Yield not to temptation nor fear

Do not hide beneath a veneer
The pure in heart give me delight
If you have ears to hear, then hear

High is the cost to follow near
But my yoke and burden are light
Yield not to temptation nor fear

Faith you must keep till I appear
Take hold of life, fight the good fight
If you have ears to hear, then hear
Yield not to temptation nor fear

A Follower Waits…

It is National Poetry Month, so I thought I would explore what a follower of Jesus might feel on that day before the first Easter. It is done in the style of a villanelle.

Now begins the dreaded long wait
Wobbly my body starts to sway
Staring in angst at the locked gate

I try to be strong in this state
My trembling does my fear betray
Now begins the dreaded long wait

The guilt holds, it does not abate
My failures, against me, inveigh
Staring in angst at the locked gate

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