John 21:17

"Do you love me … Feed my sheep.”

If you love me.

I will feed Your sheep, Lord,

even as you feed me.

I will not walk on by those crying

for help.

I will not look the other way.

I will not cross to the other side

of the street.

I will not walk with a heart

filled with shame.

I will walk with a spirit

full of grace.

If you love me.

I will share my bread with

the least of these and more.

I will share my time with

those who have little left.

I will bring the warmth of Your spirit,

Lord, to those left alone and freezing

in the night.

I will give everything, Lord,

and when I am spent, I will sit

with Your sheep and give

them five minutes more.

If you love me.

I will speak one word—

Hope.

I will whisper Hope to those

who are shouting.

I will shout Hope to those

who are sleeping.

I will sing Hope to those

who have lived far too long

without feeling that song

of creation stir within them.

I will feed Your sheep Hope, Lord,

and when they are ready,

when their hearts can handle more,

I will feed them love.

Amen.