by Mark Stucky

Curtains sometimes keep apart things that need connecting
and conceal things that, in their time, need uncovering.

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,”
the hiding humbug Wizard of Oz implored in vain
when discovered by Dorothy, her dog, and companions,
revealing the true presence of the mysterious Oz.

Millenia earlier, once every year, on the Day of Atonement,
a high priest entered behind the curtain of the Holy of Holies,
where the mysterious metaphysical presence of God resided,
veiled, hidden, and isolated from the people outside the temple.
This separation and glances at glory continued for centuries,
but the moment Christ died on the cross, the earth quaked,
and that concealing temple curtain ripped wide open,
removing that separation between us and God.

Now… do pay attention to the God who was behind the curtain,
the one who inhabits Holies of Holies inside human hearts.

Mark D. Stucky has degrees in religious studies, pastoral ministry, and communications. After being a pastor, he became a technical and freelance writer. In his day job, he’s documented technology products (ranging from building automation to satellite communications). In free time, he’s written articles, stories, and poems on a variety of (usually spiritual) topics. He believes in following facts and faith, understanding other perspectives, preserving the earth, protecting the vulnerable, and saving the world (or at least trying to). For more writings, see cinemaspirit.info.