by Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2025
First published in Spirit Fire Review (June, 2025)
“God will judge us not according to how much we endured, but how much we could love.”
Richard Wurmbrand, in Tortured for Christ
He did breathe upon us life
that we might journey on this lowly earth
beneath the vastness of His heavens…
on treks of faith-inspired service,
sharing His healing compassion
and loving forgiveness
in every work bestowed
by hands, minds, and hearts,
humbled before Him.
The currents of His breath,
full of love, joy, and hopefulness,
rise on sweet zephyrs
that we are bidden to share
so that they might refresh and restore
the souls of our dearest friends
and those of our cruelest enemies,
so that all might turn to Christ,
healed of enmity by Him.
May we share with all
His living water and bread of life,
for everyone does thirst
and hunger for it―
though many do not comprehend
Christ’s body and His blood
would, once received, sustain their souls
with eternal life.
May those who question
whether all are worthy
to receive Christ’s love
and forgiveness
consider Jesus’ forgiveness
of those who nailed Him to the cross
as He struggled with last breaths,
mighty enough in portent to save
the thief by Jesus’ side and, perhaps,
even the Roman centurion
who testified to Jesus’ divinity
upon His death,
for Jesus taught it is by faith alone
that we are justified to Him.