Archippus

And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
– Colossians 4:17

Dear son, mount up, hold fast the reins and ride.
My child, linger on this gray plain no more.
Beloved, the path ahead is not wide.
Little one, the long days work lies before.

Set your face towards a red horizon
Where the smoldering sun beckons you: go!
Follow that fire, wherever it blazons
Learn your true name and fight the true foe.

The fiercest enemy is found within. 
Sloth and fear keep you planted on the ground,
Rooted to the spot by indwelling sin,
To take just one step, grace must abound. 

Lift us up Lord, place us in the saddle 
There is love to share, lead us into battle. 

This sonnet first appeared at Ekstasis