The Difference ---(A Poem for Good Friday)

 

THE DIFFERENCE

 

    Peter     *     Judas

        forgivable     *     unforgivable

         righteous     *     unrighteous

 

History has not been kind to one.

Betrayers both.

One in fear and self-preservation, the other in courage to bring the kindom.

 

Peter     *     Judas

                                                              denied     *     sold-out

Betrayers.

 

later that night

restless, sleepless

in the wee hours of dawn

shadows bleed failure

disappointment

what have I done?

Betrayed!

 

Betrayers

heavy with shame     *     overcome with guilt

at the foot of the cross

 

Judas     *     Peter

their perceptions and beliefs

hopeless    *    hopeful

                                                          unforgivable     *    forgivable

                                                           unrighteous     *     righteous

                                                      beyond broken     *     possible redemption

ending one’s life     *     turning to Life

 

            suicide     *     redemption

 

the difference

Faith

Trust

in the character of God

 

innate goodness

willingness of divine to forgive and make whole

belief that one is forgivable

 

Your name     *     My name

Betrayers

at the foot of the cross

 

betrayers

hopeful in the possibility of redemption

trusting in divine goodness and willingness to make whole

faith in being forgivable

 

at the foot of the cross

FORGIVABLE