As if you were not there

As if you were not there,
the skies ignite and thunder,
rivers tear their banks asunder,
thieves and nature storm and plunder:
all beware,
as if you were not there.

2. As if you were not there,
famine and flood together
usher death, disease and terror:
stricken mothers wonder whether
God heeds prayer,
as if you were not there.

3. As if you were not there,
we televise the dying,
watch the helpless victims crying,
salve our consciences by sighing
‘Life’s unfair!’
as if you were not there.

4. As if you were not there,
your Son, when faith defied him,
faced a crowd which crucified him,
leaving friends who had denied him
in despair,
as if you were not there.

5. Because he rose again
and showed God’s love is vaster
than the ultimate disaster,
we entreat you now to master
strife and pain,
because he rose again.