The Uncomfortable Word

At the sanctuary door, I have stood

   not once, but a thousand times

     to hear the final thoughts and words

       of the leaving ones as they rush

         from the Holy Table and the Word

           to the table where private words 

are spoken about the one who spoke the Word.

At that listening post, I have heard 

   ear tickling words, "Great sermon today!"

      and just before pride puffed up the ego

           to the point of breaking, there came

               one with a frown and the words, 

                 "You stepped all over my toes,"

causing me to wonder if too much was said.

Walking away from that place, I remembered

     those stepped on toes put food on my table,

       a roof over my head, and clothe my little ones

         with a check freely given in the passed plate

            Sunday after Sunday and then some more,

              and what happens if the pain is too great,

will I be moving from here to another place there?

When the table at home is cleared, I wonder 

     about this gospel which steps on toes, 

       making people frown and be uncomfortable, 

         not just any people, but people of power,

           purse power, over me and all of mine

             raising for me the question, ""Dare I do it?"

"Dare I preach again that uncomfortable Word?"