A reflection on the journey to 2010

by Bernard Thorogood

 

 

Camp followers all!

After the Roman armies

the missionaries trod the roads of Europe.

Following Spanish conquest

the Jesuits built a Mexican empire.

And when British irregulars planted the flag

the evangelicals soon preached

to make a new world of faith.

So if Americans invade Iraq

the sects follow behind (he tanks.

Mission follows the flag,

for blessing, for glory, forever.

And just so the message is changed

to wear the robes of the powerful

and the accents of the victor.

There is another power, more truthful and more just.

It is the human spirit and the divine spirit

united to make a faithful life,

often hidden, prayerful,

active for justice and familiar with tears.

By such power the blind see,

the deaf hear, the lame dance

and the poor know good news has arrived.