All the wealth in the world cannot satisfy a rich man when challenged to give more than money to soothe his life.
So confident I came to meet this man of tales.
Since birth a silver spoon has helped me shine.
I’ve charmed or smarmed or graced each place I’ve visited,
but suddenly His question drew a line.
I’ve sought, in honesty, to live a life of love.
I’ve never consciously denied the good,
but here, He did not fall, like all, beneath my spell.
He turned and questioned, just because He could.
My life convicted in its confident repose.
My off’rings drawn from gifts that overflow.
“Can you,” He challenges, “give more than stores received?”
And in my shallow love, my heart cried, “No!”
I turn and walk away with thoughts so new to me.
I, who have only ever known acclaim.
Convicted in my lack of generosity,
I see His look of love that eases shame.
So much has passed since that man made me see myself.
Though at the time I crawled away in tears.
Though He has gone from me, gone from the world of men,
He walks within my heart and calms my fears.
I followed, from afar, the One who challenges.
And came and saw Him murdered on a hill.
But, from that place of death and lonely suffering,
He said, “Come, follow me.” I said, ‘I will!”
Fr Mark Skelton is a priest of the Plymouth Diocese, a poet and has always had a keen interest in the interface between Literature and Theology.
