But why would God count humans of more value
than one expiring two a penny sparrow?
It’s we who price resources of our earth
convinced that human profit has more worth
than all the fragile beauties freely given
and meant to draw us deeper into heaven
where we are more aware, respectful, kind,
and leave our greedy ego selves behind.
Because our self-importance tends to soar,
did Jesus mock our constant need for more,
and question whether value has degree
when God finds precious both the bird and me,
and counts our hairs or feathers just the same,
cares when we fall and calls us both by name.
Barbara Messner 18 June 2020
Sparrow (Australian Bush birds)
Barbara Messner is the Associate Priest in the Parish of Stirling, South Australia
Gifts in Open Hands 