Long-distance romance

After Romans 1:1-17

It’s a romance, long-distance,

a longing to touch and join,

to encourage and exchange

gifts, a romance of faith

on both sides. It is 

a reciprocal romance, 

a desire to be together,

to share, to encourage,

to break bread, to be with,

enjoying presence,

enjoying communion.

The romance is more

than a desire, more

than a gift; the romance is

an obligation, joyfully met.

Photograph by Jamie Street via Unsplash. Used with permission.

At the center

After Romans 1:1-17

A group, likely small,

but noticeable, because

of how they behaved,

sitting at the center

of the world, the center

of empire, ruling

with iron and fist and

law created on the banks

of the Tiber, a group

whose faith is proclaimed. 

Small, yes, but visible,

attracting interest and

curiosity, perhaps suspicion,

and they are prayed for,

always.

Photograph by Verne Ho via Unsplash. Used with permission.