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As Jesus Wept

As Jesus WeptLent 5; Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 11:1-45As Jesus wept for friends, for death, for grief,and still called out to one entombed: “Come out!”,we likewise grieve for wars without reliefand long to hear Christ’s bold restoring shout.So many dead and homes and land laid bare!We pray the Spirit might inspire this cry:“You shattered lands, leaveContinue reading “As Jesus Wept”

To See or Not To See

To See or Not to SeeLent 4; John 9:1-41Surely we are not blind, are we?We can see on our screens all manner of enticementsto alleged healing or debaucheryand are encouraged to purchasewhat we see and read about,with no personal contact or experience.We can watch people sufferingfrom war and catastrophe,from prejudice and tyrannyand we glance, grimaceContinue reading “To See or Not To See”

Some Gospel Women and I

Some Gospel Women and ILent 3; John 4:5-42When I was studying theology,but not yet accepted as an ordinand,an appointed leader told meI was not conservative enoughto become a parish priest.A few years before I retiredas the associate priest in a parish,a disenchanted ordination candidate,commenting on my preaching,thought that in the climate of her timeI wouldContinue reading “Some Gospel Women and I”

How Can These Things Be

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”

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”

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”