Before there was a new commandment
there was healing
and feeding a multitude
roads chosen and travelled
friends made and authority challenged
compassion for the confused
direction for the teachers
admonition for the false in heart
weeping with the bereft
anger at the corrupt
blessing for children

Before there was a new commandment
there were feet dusty from many roads
and a person held in awe
who knelt
washed feet
and said,
“Later you will understand.”

I spread out my hands to you;
my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.
Psalm 143:6