Give and take

“The slogan of Hell: Eat or be eaten.

The slogan of Heaven: Eat and be eaten.”

                                                          WH Auden

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If we want hell

All we have to do is become infected with essential selfishness

Me

Me First

America First

There is a whole litany of firsts

And going to that place means we become predators

Willing to use and abuse

Willing to do what it takes to get ahead,

Even if it means others are left behind

Eat of be eaten

If we want heaven

All we have to is be people who

While taking care of ourselves

Also seek to take care of others

It is not using too much

Not protecting too much

Not caving in to fear, or greed

Of a lust of power

Eat and be eaten

Take and give

Give and take

It is a Grand paradox

We find out way out of hell and to heaven

Not when we seek quick fixes to feel better

Not when we search for wealth and power

And comfort and safety

Not when we use wealth and power

To protect, influence, manipulate,

To attempt dodge the pain (all too often by causing pain for others).

But when give our lives away

When we see what is going on, when we face all the ugliness life brings

And then, in spite of it all,

all the pain, the danger

we just decide to follow Jesus…

In that way of generosity, compassion, inclusion, acceptance, kindness,

Love…