The Old in the New

(Mass at St. Joan of Arc’s in Toledo today)

When entering a church we do not know,
all things at first so much dissimilar seem;
the candles from unusual spaces glow,
the rays from different stained glass windows gleem.

The strangers file into distinctive pews,
the unfamiliar priest sings down the aisle;
our eyes explore so many unknown cues,
we miss the accustomed sights and similar style.

Then suddenly the familiar rite begins,
we make the usual signing of the cross;
we pray God take away the same old sins,
the priest says routine prayers with little gloss.

We're awed with just how much all parts persist
in whatever church we pray our Eucharist.

                        -- by Pete Voelz         5/11/15