Gospel Proclamations and Two Deacons

Gospel Proclamations and Two Deacons

John 20: 11-18 

Years ago a deacon proclaimed the Word

On Resurrection Day.

He read of Mary weeping outside the tomb

Seeing two angels where Jesus once lay.

Mary turned away

Then the gardener she saw

Not knowing her risen Lord at bay.

“Why do you weep, woman?”

The deacon stopped to catch his breath,

He knew of the words yet to come.

He could not speak nor utter any sound,

Overcome by the Gospel’s verbal drum.

In silent prayer he carried on

And spoke of Mary’s quest.

“They carried away my Lord,” said she.

“Tell me where and I will take him away.”

One word said He.  “Mary!”

At that, the deacon wept

And paused the Gospel recitation

His composure not kept.

John 21:15-19 

Today, the Feast of Saint Peter [and Paul],

Another deacon Gospel proclamation

Reading “Peter, do you love me?”

Another difficult recitation.

What first began rhythmically,

Her cadence a brisk staccato,

The deacon slowed to largo

That impact of the question did bestow.

“Peter, do you love me?”

The second time seemed too much

For the deacon to continue reading.

A powerful Gospel possesses emotional reach.

She read on the third time,

“Peter, do you love me?”

Three times did Peter reply,

“Yes, Lord. You know I do.”

The deacon completed her reading

Of Gospel truth to those around

The Word she was feeding

To people now aground.

The Gospel Word is powerful,

Both to head and heart.

It blossoms and becomes flowerful.

Sometimes unexpectedly, a shock it imparts.