If I Had a God

If I had a God
It wouldn't be one who likes to be praised
Much less one who likes to be feared
It would be a humble and compassionate God

If I had a God
It would be a beggar God
One who lives on the streets
And asks for bread to feed himself
That way he would find out
If his faithful learned something from his word
Or if everything was lost in the void

If I had a God
I think he would tell me
That I can only practice his word Outside of temples
That in temples there is theory, and it's important
But that He is more interested in the practice of the gospel
And not the infinite repetition of what is already written.

I think he would confess to me that he hasn't been to temples in a long time
Because he's too busy with those who suffer in the streets
Sleeping with them, crying with them, suffering with them.
He would tell me to look for him in abused children,
in mistreated animals and in forgotten elderly people.

He would tell me that we carry the truth within ourselves,
And that He granted us heaven long ago,
Because His love is unconditional,
Given to us in spite of everything,
Without demanding any obedience.
That He never cared that Eve ate the apple,
And there was never any punishment for it,
And He still loves the serpent as on the first day,
Because she too is a daughter of God, and God is Love.

He would ask me not to feel pity when seeing Him dressed in rags,
Because that is how He is truly happy.
Golden tunics are as precious as they are foreign to Him.
Hell does not exist—unless we choose to invent it.
And Glory is bestowed upon us with every act of kindness we perform.

If I had a God...