Revelation

Every grouping and profession has an absolute truth
known not to be
whispered certainty shouted out loud.
sorority allegiance, fraternity oath – unquestioning.
Airline pilots are never frightened.
Stockbrokers always see opportunity.
Politicians certain of victory.
Boxers trash opponents as whipping boys.

For a time faith turned away from pomp
preferring weekday liturgical snacks to
full meal of Sunday High Mass.
Devotee as consumer. Worship a la carte.

With lack of clutter and ceremony
expectation predicted a more reflective service.
Possibly one quiet thought stretched to insight
Not always. Sometimes the lunchtime express. No stops.
One day
surprise
from a source judgement thought supercilious.
An explanation of scripture and the role of prayer
taught by doctrine to be communication with God.

He said he was 73 years old
had been a priest for 51 of them.
In all that time and prayer
only once
for a single hour did he find that connection.
Just that one time – many years ago
the rest of his priesthood
spent in pursuit of re-encounter.