Goodness Reached Out

I sat there each sabbath in that same place Pitied and lonely with my withered arm; Friends couldn't even look me in the face For them a target of subtle alarm That Providence's purpose and pleasure Is not easily read or understood: Why not all judged with the same measure? Why the wicked thrive though doing no good?

But goodness reached out on this sabbath day, Freed me from power's weighty, withering yoke His question left them with nothing to say He worked with a word. He healed when he spoke. To what length will this rabbi stretch out to take, The broken in arm whom the powerful forsake?

© Randy Edwards 2017. This sonnet is for Christ’s church. If it is helpful, please feel free to copy or reprint in church bulletins, read aloud, or repost. I only ask that an attribution be cited to myself (Randall Edwards) and this blog (backwardmutters.com). Thanks Artwork: Christ heals the man with paralysed hand. Byzantine mosaic in the Cathedral of Monreale. #sonnet #christianity #gospelofluke #walkingwithjesus