I remind myself to pay attention
Should the stones choose to shout out
Or the mountains bow down.
Just in case a triad of angels
Drop by the house for a visit
I keep the sacrament of hospitality prepared.
My eyes are open
Should I need to clothe the naked
Or feed the hungry
Or maybe have occasion to do justice
Or show mercy.
Shaking myself to stay awake,
I have my eyes peeled
For the bridegroom.
Reminding myself
To keep alert
Ready to hear that whisper
Loud as a thunderclap
‘Be still’

*** This a poem for Advent written last year. But as I am preparing for the holidays again, it reminds me to keep prepared in other ways. Things I should be prepared to do each and every day – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, be just, merciful, hospitable. Should you be so inclined, these are the Biblical references: Luke 19:40, Habakkuk 3:6, Hebrews 13:2, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 25, Psalm 46:10