Take off your masks
Take off your masks
leave them at the door, with your shoes
for this is holy ground.
We have been called
not to act,
as if our heart wasn’t broken
and our soul not bruised.
But we’ve been called
to worship.
In spirit and in truth.
So stop lying
with the ease of wearing a summer jacket,
about how things really are.
Admit the failing
the bumbling disaster
of trying to do everything in your own strength.
And tell the truth.
That life,
this side of heaven,
can be hard
hard work.
But isn’t that why we’re here anyway?
In this place?
This place where as a family
we proclaim Jesus as Lord?
Because he held our pain,
felt our sorrow,
and then secured the victory.
And he invites us to share
in everything he has accomplished.
Not because we were ever brilliant
or capable
or worthy
or wonderful
– but because he loved us.
And for that
we need no mask.
In that
we are called beautiful.
For we have been given grace to wear.
And grace is enough,
for broken hearts,
bruised souls
and the very truth of who we are
on this morning
and every other one too.
So, put aside your mask.
I’ll put aside mine.
And together,
let’s go in
to holy ground.