BEYOND THE BEAUTY AND THE AWE

Beyond the beauty and the awe,
       beyond the fear and dread,
we long, O God, to hear your word,
       to taste your transformed bread.

Our lives feel torn between the world
       whose needs are grimly real
and empty talk of peace and joy
       with distant, vague appeal.

Oh, teach us how to hear your voice
       despite the traffic's din;
to keep the blasts of rancor out
       and let your Spirit in.

In sound or silence, sight or smell,
       may we some token find
that makes your living presence known
       to body, soul, and mind.

Then help us live as Jesus taught,
       as light and salt and yeast,
that others may be brought to share
       your promise and your feast.