Two Brothers

Jesus said: It's like this... two brothers, being asked to work in their father's vineyard. One said yes, and did not go. One said No, then reconsidered. Which one did the father's bidding? Not so hard to figure out what the right answer is... right? Two brothers, related by blood, related by blood. Still brothers after the yes. Still brothers after the no. Still brothers.

So many ways we have

To dismiss the world:

The real,

Even

The potential real.

So many ways we say

Not now

Meaning

Not ever.

So many ways we say

Yes

When we are really saying

No.

Oh we who dismiss

So many things

In God’s name.

So much better to struggle with No

Then reconsider

And reconsider again.

Hard-won things

Are often heart-won things:

Meant to be held lightly

Meant to be cherished

Meant to be held up to the light

Meant to be understood now

Only in part

In a mirror dimly

And then,

Only then,

Fully known.