PETER

                               II
  

(Matthew 5-7)
He preached to us upon the mount, rendering a full account 
Of how to live, and think, and pray —
Explaining Satan's subtle way, and how
His evil aims can be discerned.
He talked about the pure in heart, in an effort to impart
That blessed state in which men see
The presence here of Deity.  But then
His lessons constantly returned
To Satan's effort to deceive, to control what we believe.
Thus, Jesus was the terminus
For evil's influence on us, and so
We follow him in truth and love.
He guided us through thick and thin, giving us the discipline
To recognize the devil's aim
Of garnering for ego fame, instead
Of glorifying God above.
He said we were the salt of earth, that our works define our worth.
Our calling is to save and heal
Our fellow man by the repeal of all
The laws that Satan claims to make.
He said to love our enemies — discard animosities.
He said to bless the ones who curse,
And never mentally rehearse the price
We think we've paid for their mistake.
He taught us how to pray as well, how to bid a fond farewell
To barren words — the stale cliché —
Proffered to God from far away by men
Who think they have an evil mind.
But God is Mind, and God is good; and His Father-Motherhood,
Provides us with our daily bread,
Confirming what our Master said the day
He sent us forth to heal mankind.
				
			
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