Those eighteen years had
been for her a prison,
Her posture bent in mean
captivity,
Until that Sabbath when
she stood up, risen—
The gracious touch of God
had set her free.
With face at long last
pointed toward the skies
She sang her hallelujahs
with thanksgiving:
This man of mercy heard
her silent cries!
His word of peace restored
her joy of living.
For that, indeed, is
Sabbath’s true intent,
Despite the rules that man
has put in place:
A time for God to
straighten what is bent,
Correct sin’s inward
curvature with grace.
Your word alone true Sabbath rest imparts.
O Christ, with selfless love unbend our hearts!
© Phillip Martin, 2013
