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The Cost of Finding Treasure

The Cost of Finding TreasurePentecost 9; Matthew 13:44-58Jesus told of treasure found outdoors,hidden in the earth beneath the stars.Could you change your life to make it yours?Leave behind what modern living mars?Do without your mobile phone and cars?Walk on country with respect and care?Turn away from city nights in bars?Breathe the health of wide, untaintedContinue reading “The Cost of Finding Treasure”

Weeds Amongst the Wheat

Weeds Amongst the WheatPentecost 8; Matthew 13:24-30Who is to blame for weeds amongst the wheat?Do seeds of hate and prejudice remain,lodged out of sight until they can compete,released by heat and stirred to life by rain?Their roots lie tangled with the growing grain:to tear them up would risk uprooting crop.At harvest time, their nature willContinue reading “Weeds Amongst the Wheat”

A Parallel Parable of Sower and Seed

A Parallel Parable of Sower and SeedPentecost 7; Matthew 13:1-23A farmer said he sowed his wheatinto the night. The seed ran out.He missed the sign: perhaps he dozed,equipment failed – both old and tired.He kept on sowing, unaware:part seed, part air drilled in the ground.How could he know which part might grow?I think he sowedContinue reading “A Parallel Parable of Sower and Seed”

To What Will I Compare This Genertion?

To What Will I Compare This Generation?Pentecost 6; Matthew 11:15-19, 25-30Our markets are not graced with lilting airs,nor is there space or time for feet to dance.The love-lorn pop songs wail but no-one cares;beneath the car parks, air-starved planet pants.So, play the music that revives the souland sing laments for woes we need to hear.Oh,Continue reading “To What Will I Compare This Genertion?”

Welcome and Welcoming

Welcome and welcomingPentecost 5; Matthew 10:40-42Best welcome gives us space and lets us be.“Whoever welcomes you so welcomes me,”said Jesus. From experience he knewthat welcomers of Christians might be few.So many now mis-read him, mistrust us –not helped by slogan verses on a bus!The checkout operators often saywith bright and practised interest: “How’s your day?”“IContinue reading “Welcome and Welcoming”

Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar

Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out HagarPentecost 4; Genesis 21:8-21Do all the world’s warscome down to this:those who believe they are entitled to more for their childrenbecause of supposed superiorityof lineage, race, religion or nation,but whose actions are far from superior:enslaving, dis-respecting, mis-treating others,causing cultural loss, exile, wounds and death.Eventually the descendants of thoseforced out intoContinue reading “Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar”

For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God

For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God.Pentecost 3; Genesis 18:1-15Those three visitors came in the heat of the dayand old Abraham knew them: one Lord who was three.“Rest and eat now,” he offered, “then pass on your way.”So they ate and then promised a blessing to be.“Where is Sara your wife? She will bear youContinue reading “For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God”

In Need of a Physician

In Need of a PhysicianPentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13,18-26The tax collector Matthew worked for Romeand for his cut of takings on the side.Co-opted by the powers that seized his home,his soul was torn by choices that divide.His inner conflict and his neighbours’ scornbecame the sickness Jesus sought to heal.When he said, “Follow!” Matthew rose, new born,leftContinue reading “In Need of a Physician”

Pentecost Again

Pentecost AgainDay of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-4I’m no great fan of wind –it shakes me loose like autumn leavesuntil I feel unnerved, thin skinned,and something wistful grieves.Yet blow here, Spirit gale,break into comfort, shake the wallsthat shelter those afraid to failwho hide when challenge calls.I’m half afraid of flame –too often burnt or left with ash;withContinue reading “Pentecost Again”