They’re carted off like cattle,

yet we’d refuse a bed

to those who flee from carnage

now drowned, or lost or dead?

Christ said accept the stranger,

how can we bar the door

to those both poor and hungry

who wait beyond our shore.

How can we guard our comfort

or fear what we might lose

when those who are more needy,

we punish and abuse.

God, must we wait for judgment?

Will nothing change our face

from sneering denigration

to smiles of love and grace?

Good God forgive the selfish,

the ones who bind the free,

who now withhold salvation.

Begin right now with me!

© Andrew Pratt 28/8/2015

Reported this morning – 70 found dead in a lorry in Austria.

Tune: CHERRY TREE CAROL

Please include on your CCL return if you have one