November 15, 2013

My Journey to God

Mass in the Jungle

The men filed in dressed in their military fatigues
Camouflage blending effectively with jungle green
The men gathered together in silent reverence
They were there for the real presence of the Lord.

A jeep was in the middle of the jungle opening
A military blanket was draped over the hood
A priest who was a chaplain stood quietly by it
He silently arranged the altar vessels with care.

Unkempt and unshaven, the men stood quietly
The pews were the fallen logs and hummocks
The sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy
Sunrays slanted down as if through stained glass.

Weapons leaned against vine-covered trees
Men waiting patiently for the order of the Mass
The priest was vested in a brown military poncho
Some men held rosary beads tightly in their hands.

Presence of the Lord was felt as the Mass began
Like Mass back in their respectful home churches
The Liturgy of the Eucharist was just the same
The sanctuary was the altar on the hood of the jeep.

The joy of receiving the body and blood of Christ
Evident as the men filed out of the jungle clearing
The jungle clearing was transformed into a Church
Like it was years ago during Christ’s earthly ministry.

By Thomas J. Rillo
 

(Thomas J. Rillo is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington and a Benedictine oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad. This poem is based on the poet’s personal experience when he served in the military, and was written in commemoration of Veteran’s Day.) †

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