And Christ Watched

by Penelope Hyland

skipping towards home on slender long legs, laughter lit little Jessi’s large dark eyes

wisps of raven strands blew as Bible stories bubbled forth upon warm sunset air

and Christ watched

brooding eyes encased anger in the scarf enshrouded face

fixed pupils sighted down cold metal lines

in shadow the index finger slowly squeezed

and Christ watched

spinning speeding hollow tip sought lotus pink shirt

ruby red droplets spattered fluttering fragments

the Word drifting away along the winds sighing last syllable of the small shocked face

and Christ watched

gold gilded edges curled a crisp brown

dancing yellow orange flames flicked Madonna’s sweet embrace

sorrow filled eyes gazed down upon rage clenched fist while explosives ripped the air

and Christ watched

cold stillness of silence suffused the world

engulfed in his tender touch Jessi stood hand-in-hand

the quiet deafening

as a tear slipped over the contour of her cheek

and Christ watched and wept

On August 6, 2013, 10 year old Jessica Boulous, an Egyptian Coptic Christian, was shot dead in the chest while walking home from Bible class. An innocent young girl, she was targeted simply because she was a Christian. Many other Christians, too numerous to count, have also been martyred for their faith. Churches have been bombed and burnt along with their beautiful icons and Bibles.

My heart was touched when I first heard the news about Jessi — mostly because of her age, the fact that she was simply walking home from Bible school, and that she was deliberately shot in the chest — not a random act. I was also stunned at the lack of response world-wide as these acts continue in many countries.

Please join with me this Lenten season in prayer for our fallen Christian brothers and sisters and for those who are in danger. If you are so led, also for those who commit these acts. I believe prayers is the most powerful force in the universe and Christ himself delcared that prayer combined with fasting is even more powerful. As we will be in the season of Lenten fasting, I would ask that you dedicate some of your prayer time to Christian martyrs and perhaps add a fast of a meal. Regardless of your faith or denomination, your prayers and fasting are welcome and appreciated.

Thank you so much,

Penelope