KARL BARTH AT THE SPA

EASTER SERMON OF KARL BARTH

TALKING WITH PRISONERS

LUXURY HOTEL READING

These cool sheets on the Heavenly Bed

with all these pillows

in white pillow cases

propping me up as I pray.

Pray and read. At prayer.

We know well are plight and Thou

knowest it better. Wherever

people are gathered today.

Because I live, you will live also

John's Gospel says. ¿y todavía

no me conoces? El que me a visto

a mi, a visto el Padre. I'm stuffed,

just back from barbecue,

pulled pork shoulder and brisket--

and I didn't eat too much! Finished

my cole slaw and baked beans!

Oh, those burnt ends!

Barth delivers the captives in God's name,

not because we enjoy dealing with God,

not because we believe he's easy to follow--

no, none of that! Not because of promotion.

I'm on vacation and I live a very different life.

I know what is at stake here.

My life is at stake. My very life.

Like the man in the starched shirt says,

People die for these white sheets

on the Heavenly Bed. What more

could we do to have you stay with us?

Jim Bodeen

29 November 2017