The Many Wolves in Masks

Lord, give me eyes to recognize What polished words disguise. They learned the language of the altar, Every gesture, every phrase; How to imitate compassion, How to manufacture praise. They wore kindness like a costume, Used Your name to earn our trust, Then protected their own kingdom While the vulnerable were crushed. I will know them by their fruit, Not the titles that they claim. A mask may fool a gathering— It never fools Your gaze. There are many wolves in masks, Many thieves dressed like the flock, Many hands that offer comfort While they quietly turn the lock. Jesus, tear away the covering; Bring the hidden into light. Guard the sheep they left defenseless— Good Shepherd, rise and fight. Some wear collars, some wear smiles, Some hide behind “give it time.” Some call cowardice discernment, Some make negligence sound kind. They say, “Peace,” without protection; They say, “Grace,” and bury proof. They demand the crushed forgive While excusing rotten fruit. But mercy is not blindness, And love does not retreat; A shepherd who ignores the wolf Has chosen what it eats. Father, forgive them. They know not what they do. But wake them from their blindness— And make them answer truth. I forgive the ones who failed me; I release them into grace. I refuse to let their choices Build a prison in this place. But forgiveness is not silence, And healing is not hiding. Repentance must bear witness; The fruit must match the crying. Let every leader answer. Let every record speak. Let justice guard the wounded. Let mercy make wolves weak. Expose what must be ended. Restore what can be healed. Remove the unrepentant. Protect the ones who kneel. No hatred in our justice. No vengeance in our hands. Just holiness with courage— Your truth, Your way, Your plan. There are many wolves in masks, But there is one true Shepherd King. Every lie will lose its covering; Every wounded heart will sing. Jesus, tear away the darkness; Bring the hidden into light. Gather every scattered sheep— Good Shepherd, lead us home tonight. The mask will fall. The truth will last. The Shepherd knows The wolves in masks.