Those Forty Days

For forty days the Risen Christ remains,
what does He do before He goes to heaven?
St. Peter as His leader He sustains:
“Do you love Me? Feed My sheep, you’re forgiven.”

He orders them to do four sacraments:
“Forgive their sins and then their sins are gone.”
He blesses, breaks the bread, as they would hence,
and “Baptize all in our names from now on.”

He promises His Spirit He would send,
Who would confirm their faith at Pentacost,
and will, as He, defend them to the end.
“Teach all My Gospel so none will be lost.”

I need not see Your wounds, I do not fear
to trust Your Church, Lord, that You left us here.

                       by Pete Voelz         5/18/15