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
like the wise virgins.

Reminding myself
to stay alert,
ready to hear that whisper
loud as a thunderclap-

(‘Be still’)

*** This a poem written several years ago and posted for the first Sunday of Advent the past years. (revised 2017)
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