"Burn Not, Servant of Christ"

Get this straight,
Ye servant of Christ.
It's okay to burn the following:
Old Ways and Traditions
Outdated Thinking about Morality
Antiquated Interpretations of Scripture
But the fire that burns within you?
We can't have that, either.
In fact, we'll need you to snuff that out.
Read your liturgical canon all ye like,
But do not wager expositional commentary
On all we are doing to God's Children--
If we want your opinions--or, as you put it,
Your convictions--we'll ask you for it.
And, be not deceived, servant,
We will edit your thoughts so they align
With our intentions for humankind.
After all, our worldview is the dominant one.
What you think is inconsequential and unwelcome.

In fact, ye servant of Christ,
And please write this down on your heart
So we won't have to say it again:
Your opinions are not welcome.
Your application of Word to World is irrelevant.
Your commentary must cease
Or we will see to it you never speak again.
Please do not misunderstand us:
We welcome your position so long as it serves
What we deem to be the best of your outdated tradition--
You keep the people satiated with the status quo.
You give them enough liturgy to enable them to do
What is required of them in the coming day of work;
Enough Scripture to convince them they are servants
(Shall we assist you in finding the verse?);
But beyond that, you must cease and desist your diatribes.
If you can comply with this mandate,
You and your congregants may live to meet another day;
But if you refuse...Well, death is already at your doorstep.



-----------------

A poem in response to the Headline: "Catholic Priest Fatally Shot after Mass in Northern Philippines," April 30, 2018