Inexplicable Paradox

Mark 9:30–37 

Confession 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

We don't understand your death,

or our death with you;

how, so to live, you say, 'die'; 

how, if to die, still with you – life! 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

We don't understand your life,

or our life with you, 

rising out of the tomb, 

shining, light in the dark. 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

We don't understand greatness,

that with you, it hardly matters 

as much as littleness, or little ones;

that, to you, all matter, all, and each. 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

We don't understand your way,

the taking nobodies as somebodies,

putting them in your arms,

turning life upside down: 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

We don't understand welcome

or humility or servanthood;

the paradox of first and last,

of grace not merit, home not position. 

Forgive us when we do not understand; 

help us understand. 

Assurance of grace 

Welcome, all you children

into the embrace of Jesus,

which is the embrace of Holy One – 

welcome home, each

and every one. 

Be at peace:

we are forgiven, 

and we will never understand. 

Amen.