Religion of Laws

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Jesus Preaching to the Crowd - Gustave Doré 


Not all listened.

Some heard a voice,

but they didn't allow the seed

to be nurtured,

to take root in their hearts,

those who felt

their words had more bearing than His.


Scribes,

Pharisees,

Sadducees and priests,

those who learn at the feet of wisdom,

unable to embrace

thought contrary to their own,

unable to nurture the words.


Scribes,

Pharisees,

Sadducees and priests,

the righteous who stain the streets,

the pompous who beat their chests,

white washed bones

moaning from their tombs. 


Still some absorbed the fruits,

Fishermen,

tax collectors

and Harlots.

Those who long for a kingdom of love,

a kingdom of purity,

and not a religion of laws.



copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr

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