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Kindness That Shines Out -- Mary Oliver Poem #6

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A Reading from Philippians Chapter 1

 1 We, Paul and Timothy, are servants of Christ Jesus. We send greetings to all of God's people who belong to Christ Jesus and who live in the city of Philippi. We send greetings to the leaders of the church people and those who have been chosen to help them.

 2 May the loving kindness of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and give you peace. 3 Every time I think of you I thank God for you. 4 I have joy in my heart every time I ask God to help you. 5 I thank God for the joy we share in telling the good news from the very first day until now.

 6 God began to do a good work in you. And I am sure that he will keep on doing it until he has finished it. He will keep on until the day Jesus Christ comes again.

 
A Poem by Mary Oliver

I know a man of such

            mildness and kindness it is trying to

change my life. He does not

            preach, teach, but simply is. It is

astonishing, for he is Christ’s ambassador

            truly, by rule and act. But, more

he is kind with the sort of kindness that shines

            out, but is resolute, not fooled. He has

eaten the dark hours and could also, I think,

            soldier for God, riding out

under the storm clouds, against the world’s pride and unkindness

            with both unassailable sweetness, and consoling word.

 

A Few Questions to Ponder for Prayer

Have you ever known someone who has struck you in such a way you felt God was directly caring for you through the words and deeds of that person?

What does “eaten the dark hours” mean to you?


Can you list all the qualities Oliver brings out in the poem?

Can you choose a few you have met in the people around you, and give thanks to God for them?

Can you choose a few and pray about yourself in connection with them? Do you have those qualities? Have shared them with others? Do you need them?

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