Esau's Lament

What did you get for it?
Hopefully, more than a serving of stew!
What’s a birthright go for, anyway?
These days.

Who wants to walk and wrestle with God?
When we can stay right where we are,
Pat ourselves on the back
And, not have to limp.

Who wants to cry out and call on the name of the Lord?
Who wants to look and listen for the Living Word?
When the sound of our own voices is so pleasant
And, only tells us what we want to hear.

Was it fifteen minutes of fame?
Was it clean hands and a clear conscience?
Was it more? Was it now? Was it everything –
And only the things – you thought it would be?

“Of what use?”
Was Esau’s frustrated complaint.
“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!”
Jesus cried as he wept for the Holy City.