marked

with this

symbol of  desire,

reminded of

my frail mortality,

I am set free,

to be and to become,

I have turned,

 returned,

I am signed and sealed,

a promise accepted,

transformed,

transforming,

this ashen cross

becomes for me

a robe of righteousness,

a ring of

belonging,

so I rise from my knees,

to take the yoke

of the one

who makes

my burden lighter,

and find myself

upheld,

consumed,

compelled,

by loves

eternal

embrace…

 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)