The Jesus statue over Rio is more than meets the eye

The world’s descended on Brazil
with frenzied fans and dreams
as gifted kickers play a game of ball.
And high above the stadiums
where cheers are heard nonstop
a silent figure welcomes one and all.

Appropriate it seems to me
this grandiose embrace.
“For God so loved the world He sent His Son…”
With open arms He motions
“You’re accepted! You belong!”
to every gender, color, tribe and tongue.

The arms of God invite us
to consider nailed scarred hands
as we fixate on a tournament of feet.
For what brings the world together
isn’t just a game of ball
but the One who snatched a win from sure defeat.