Based on Matthew 10:24-11:27, all the the stuff about hating your father and mother, and taking up your cross, and Sodom and Gomorrah rising up in judgment, and what the Father has revealed to little ones. A lectionary season I struggle with every cycle.
How can I hate the ones I love to follow you, my Lord? I prayed for peace sent from above, but you have brought the sword. You speak of anguish, speak of loss as steps along the way, and bid me take the bitter cross and bear its weight each day. If I should fail in all of this, then I'll unworthy be, betraying you with falsehood's kiss, though you are true to me. And if I cannot, Lord, what then? Must I go from your side? And shall I wander lost again, without you as my guide? Though I have seen your mighty works, yet do I fail of faith. Shall you condemn the heart that shirks, though all else you forgave? My heart is fearful, but it stands (when it stands) next to you. Oh, let me stay, and take my hands; take all in me that's true! And though that is but little, Lord, yet do you love the small and give yourself, not just the sword, when I before you fall.
Kate Bluett 