a poem with no title by madeleine delbrel

It is at this point we ought to recall that
God has not created us for human loving
but for that eternal awesome love 
 with which he loves 
everything that he has created.

We should also accept this love 
not as a large-hearted magnificent partner
but as the idiot beneficiary of it that we are,
devoid both of charm and basic loyalty.

And in this adventure of Mercy
we are asked to give whatever we can
until we have nothing left. 

We are even asked to laugh
when the gift that we make is defective
whether because of failure, filth, or impurity.

But we are asked also to be full of wonder
with tears of thanksgiving and joy
before this inexhaustible treasure
 that flows into us from God’s heart.

It is at this intersection of laughter and joy
 that we find a peace beyond all confusion









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