Maître D’ of Heaven

A litany for worship

by Ken Sehested

The Maître D’ of Heaven commands the ’poverished-poor to table: the halt and helpless, lamed and maimed ushered up for honored seating.

The Beloved’s steadfast love is like a lip-smacking feast of abundance. But the Market’s squaloring famine sows the seeds of violent harvest.

“Food is not a weapon,” Jesus answered Satan’s bidding. Feasting is for mending, not for servitude and slavery.

Not even enemies are left to destitution, nor the table of sinners refused.

Is it against the law to feed the immigrant? Then join the jailhouse chorus singing praise for God’s provision!

Rejoicing in God is our melody. Befriending the hungry, our harmony.

The Banker heralds “peace” when each hoarded harvest comes, but declares war against those who can pay no tribute.

The Bread of Heaven annuls every Commodity Trader’s bonus.

The jar of meal shall never yield to famine’s dreadful toll.

The oil of plenty shall not fail the extravagant of soul.

Elisha led the enemy to Israel’s butchering floor. But no blood was shed—instead, they were fed—and ransacked and raided no more.

In the breaking of bread at the penitent’s table shall the Resurrection story be told.

©ken sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.orr
Inspired by a collection of texts, beginning with the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:8-23. Other texts: Zechariah 7:6-10, Psalm 63:4-5, Romans 12:20, Luke 6:27-35, Matthew 4:1-4, Mark 2:15, Proverbs 25:21, Isaiah 55:1, Micah 3:5, Luke 12:22, Luke 14: 12-13, 1 Corinthians 11:21-22, Luke 24:13-35, Revelation 3:20