I thought you were just any god
of those who go out to market,
make an impact,
conquer people
and, in little time, are forgotten.
I thought you were a tired clown
content with cheering up
children and simple folk,
offering oases of festivity
because the life of each day
remains sad and unjust.
I thought you were ancient and good-natured,
lord of walls and paintings
who watches but does not speak;
a shepherd still wielding the sling
in times of atomic weapons..
I thought you were little…
I did not give importance to your word
nor to your company.
You were the polite visit
after the commitment.
You were the dessert of a good meal,
the sentimental complement
to reason and science…
I thought you were just another whim!
But you are a God of life and illusions.
It is not harmless to approach you.
It is not an innocent courtesy to let you in,
to open the door for you,
to show you the house
and give you a seat in the living room.
Restless and dangerous guest,
tender and mischievous,
intelligent and effective!
Zacchaeus signed a blank check.
I believe you, God.
I believe you capable of turning the head,
the heart, and life,
all lives of all people.
Capable of reforming all plans
and diverting all routes;
of opening new paths;
of offering unprecedented horizons.
I believe you capable
of noticing who is in the fig tree;
of inviting you to eat by surprise;
of staying at a sinner’s house;
of repeating the story today.
Do not make me beg.
Look at me as You know,
and invite yourself to eat in my house.
Florentino Ulibarri