Scorn

Such an ugly word,
Scorn. Related words like contempt,
Derision, worthless, despicable
Only increase the ugliness.

Jesus was laughed to scorn.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record this moment,
When the miracle-worker, the healer,
Nay, Life himself went to a dead girl

And said, “Not dead, but sleepeth.”
One expects tears at a death, and sorrow.
But derisive laughter to show contempt?
Do the Gospels have many moments more ugly?

Jesus heals her, of course. Those laughing at him,
Mocking him, believing him worthless …
How did they feel when his healing the dead
Ended in resurrection?


There is a more ugly moment,
Predicted long before Christ carried his cross.
One expects sadness and horror when seeing a bleeding man,
Near death, not derisive laughter.

“All they that see me laugh me to scorn:
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him:
Let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.”

How did they feel when the trust of the soon dead
Ended in resurrection?

Jesus, we’re sorry you had to dwell among us,
Profane, confused, ugly people that we are.
Jesus, thank you that you dwelled among us,
That our faithlessness could not stop

Resurrection.