Miracle at the Altar
An early, dreary Sabbath day,
a homeless, hungry man
wearily passes
a Roman Catholic church.
Into the yard he enters
and walks straight down the aisle.
Surprisingly, it is empty –
not a soul in sight.
He kneels before the altar
and prays:
“My Creator, Cherisher, and Sustainer,
and with guidance from
Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua.
I am broke, stressed, and famished.
I have faith You will look after me
during these troubled times.
Guide me on the straight path
while I walk this Earth without end:
Amen.”
When he opens his eyes,
at the foot of the main altar,
where the tabernacle stands,
lie five small pieces
of sourdough bread,
and beside them a golden cup
filled with mulled red wine,
reserved for the parish priest.
He performs the signum crucis.
His fingers lift the bread pieces
one by one
into his dry mouth.
He washes them down
with mulled red wine.
Nearby, a brass collection plate
holds twelve shiny golden coins.
Taking three pounds,
he crosses himself again,
and quietly departs on his way.
