How Can These Things BeLent 2; John 3:1-17Reflect on this encounter in the night -a literal mind tests signs and teaching heard.The Rabbi Jesus speaks in metaphorto lead to truth beyond the factual word.This Pharisee comes seeking something new:his walls of laws begin to seem too tightlike mother’s womb to baby ripe for birth,but stillContinue reading “How Can These Things Be”
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Redemptive Choices in the Wilderness
Redemptive Choices in the WildernessLent 1; Matthew 4:1-11The Spirit leads us to the wildernesswhen worldly thoughtless ways hold us in thrall.Temptation and privation curse or bless.We stumble from our sleep at wake-up call.It may be failure that will make us searchto redefine the bounds of who we are.The wrong success can knock us from ourContinue reading “Redemptive Choices in the Wilderness”
Radical Advice from Jesus’ Wisdom Teaching
Radical Advice from Jesus’ Wisdom TeachingEpiphany 6; Matthew 5:21-37To deal with anger without harmmight put an end to warand hostile forces could disarmand give up keeping score.If insults could be set aside,the stranger seen as kin,then hells of hatred and of pridewould cease and peace begin.When sides contend, be reconciledand find that both can win.SeekContinue reading “Radical Advice from Jesus’ Wisdom Teaching”
Salt of the Earth, Light of the World
Salt of the earth, light of the worldEpiphany 5; Matthew 5:13-20If we, like salt, bring savour, and conservethe earth, can we retain that quality?Will words that sparkle on the tongue preservecreation’s rights, and battle entropy?If we are light that’s set upon a hill,can we remain connected to a powerthat through all blackouts keeps light burningContinue reading “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World”
Blessed or Not
Blessed or NotEpiphany 4; Matthew 5:1-12Do you know what it means to be blessed?Not achieving the goals of this age:to be wealthy, well known, in control.No, the poor who are free of self-pride,find the space for God’s kingdom within.Do you know what it means to be blessed?Not repressing the grief in our heartsso we’re numbContinue reading “Blessed or Not”
Light in Our Darkness
Light in Our DarknessEpiphany 3; Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-25(for the Sunday between 22 January, the National Day of Mourning for those killed in the Hannukah terrorist attack and 26 January, Australia Day, also commemorated as Survival Day or Invasion Day)In the light of the prophecy’s words,Matthew said: Jesus came as the lightthat would dawn onContinue reading “Light in Our Darkness”
Come and See
Come and SeeEpiphany 2; Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42When Jesus read the Servant’s Songshe understood what he must be,God’s servant: formed in mother’s womb,in life and death, his destiny.John named him as the Son of God,the Lamb of God who bears our pain.John saw God’s Spirit like a dovedescend on Jesus and remain.Yes, like all thoseContinue reading “Come and See”
Not the Jesus He Wanted
Not the Jesus He WantedThe Baptism of the Lord; Matthew 3:13-17When Jesus came to John to be baptized,the Baptist baulked, suggested roles reversed.He wanted One whose power was recognized:refining fire, not Human One immersed,to surface breathless, shaking with the chillof river running down a crack in earth.“Now let it be,” said Jesus. “To fulfilthis rightnessContinue reading “Not the Jesus He Wanted”
Magi Returning
Magi ReturningEpiphany; Matthew 2:1-12“Epiphany” means that flash of insightor moment of joyful awarenessthat seems like a precious gift,to which our response is gratitudemaybe followed by exploration,or even difficult commitmentif we live into what’s revealed.Where did epiphany take the magiwho had already travelled farin search of a significant childwhose existence would verifytheir scholarly interpretationof prophecies, dreamsContinue reading “Magi Returning”
Empire or Reign of God
Empire or Reign of GodChristmasThere rose an empire based in Rome;fine ruins still recall its fame.They said their emperors were gods;few people now would praise their name.In conquered lands a child was born;his fate to die by empire’s will.Now though two thousand years have gone,his birth and death are honoured still.The Caesars did not saveContinue reading “Empire or Reign of God”
Barb, poet priest 