Sunday, March 27, 2016

The tax collector


After Matthew 9:9-13

He sits, the scroll in front,
making his marks, adjusting
as necessary and anticipated,
as each one in the line comes
forward, each ready to argue
and ultimately be extorted,
as necessary and anticipated,
for this is how it is done
under a rule of iron. He feels
and disregards the hot wind
of their hatred, until the one
who has nothing but his word
stands before him, face masked
by the sun behind him. A hand
is extended; a voice says follow
me, and he stands from his scroll
and follows, not knowing
how to face love.


Photograph via Free Bible Images.

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