They longed to bow, to lie prostrate before the king.

They longed to sing a thousand hymns of praise.

They longed to clap and shout and celebrate his presence.

They longed to move; to shake the sleeping,

and comfort the heartbroken one with a gentle caress.

They longed to fight; to strangle the self-righteous and free the innocent.

They longed to chase the fearful and return them to the truth.

They longed to weep, to forge a new river with their tears.

Yet still they stood, gnarled and proud, arms upraised, appealing to the heavens.

(From Matthew 26:36-46)