O Holy God,
It has so many meanings
Sanctuary
A gathering place
A protected space
A safe haven
Holy of holies
There are real needs
There have always been
Yet it feels crucial now
To name them
To define and redefine
The term
Sanctuary
It cannot be
Privileged
Secluded
Restricted
For members only
Forgive us
When we use it
To withdraw from the world
To put our own safety
First
Then press us to
Create the protected space
Open the safe haven
Allow the gathering place
To let it be yours
Holy of holies
For those who need it
Desperately
Strangers
Wayfarers
Refugees
Today of all days and
Tomorrow and tomorrow
In Christ’s name
Amen
