Audio Divina: Encountering Jesus in the Ordinary

Betty's Diner - Carrie Newcomer (2003)

Saul met Jesus on the way to Damascus for business.

The disciples found Him waiting for them on the beach,

with breakfast.

What if...just what if...Jesus was a server at a diner?

Maybe...just maybe...we could think about how

every Sunday we meet Him at His table, 

at St. Cyprian's Diner.

***

Betty's Diner - Carrie Newcomer, 2003

Miranda words the late night counter

 In a joint called Betty’s Diner 

Chrome and checkered tablecloths, one steamy windowpane 

She got the job that shaky fall,

And after hours she’ll write til dawn.

 With a nod and smile she serves them all.

Here we are all in one place:

 The wants and wounds of the human race.

 Despair and hope sit face to face

 When you come in from the cold.

 Let her fill your cup with something kind --

 Eggs and toast like bread and wine.

 She’s heard it all so she don’t mind.

 Arthur lets his earl grey steep;

 Since April it’s been hard to sleep.

 You know they tried most everything,

 Yet it took her in the end.

 Kevin tests new saxophones,

 But swears he’s leaving quality control

 For the Chicago scene, or New Orleans,

 Where they still play righteous horns.

 Jack studies here after work;

 To get past high school he’s the first --

 And his large hands seem just as comfortable 

With a hammer or a pen.

 Emma leaned and kissed his cheek, 

And when she did his knees got weak.

 Miranda smiles at Em and winks.

You never know who’ll be your witness;

 You never know who grants forgiveness.

Look to heaven or sit with us.

 Deidra bites her lip and frowns;

 She works the Stop and Go downtown.

 She’s pretty good at the crossword page, and

She paints her eyes blue black.

 Tristan come along sometimes -- 

Small for his age and barely five --

 But she loves him like a mamma lion.

 Veda used to drink a lot --

 Almost lost it all before she stopped. 

 Comes in at night with her friend Mike, 

Who runs the crisis line.

 Michael toured Saigon and back -- 

 Hair the color of smoke and ash.

 Heads are bowed and hands are clasped;

One more storm has passed.

 Here we are all in one place:

 The wants and wounds of the human race.

 Despair and hope sit face to face

 When you come in from the cold.

 Let her fill your cup with something kind --

 Eggs and toast like bread and wine.

 She’s heard it all so she don’t mind.