barbmessneroutlookcom

Say “Follow Me!”

Say Follow Me Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13 Say “Follow me!” It’s what some try to do, though few will leave position, power and wealth as Matthew did, inspired to follow you. Perhaps his soul was drawn to greater health. His healing meant he recognized your truth, reclaimed ideals he’d left upon a shelf, integrity abandonedContinue reading “Say “Follow Me!””

The Healing of Women

This poem was written in 2021 for Mark’s version of the story we have this Sunday in Matthew 9. I am repeating it partly to celebrate that the Anglican Diocese of the Murray where I live has finally decided to accept the ordination of women. The Healing of Women Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:18-26 (also PentecostContinue reading “The Healing of Women”

Trinity and Me

This poem of mine from 2020 was first published on Maren Tirabassi’s blog giftsinopenhands. Thanks as always to Maren for her encouragement, and her inspiring work. Trinity and me Trinity Sunday God, the Parent Creator, and I were delighted together one day. On our deck was a strutting magpie, boldly stepping as though on display.Continue reading “Trinity and Me”

Variations on Pentecost

Variations on Pentecost Day of Pentecost; John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21 To some the Spirit comes as breath to breath that wakens us to risen life in Christ. We know him and rejoice, receive his peace. Assured that we are sent as he was sent, we venture forth, commissioned to forgive. Our Pentecost may be aContinue reading “Variations on Pentecost”

Ascension?

Ascension? Ascension Day; Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 28: 16-20 He vanished from their sight, but did he rise to lofty palaces above the skies to sit in gloried state at God’s right hand? Or did he slip among them where they stand? The angels laughed: “Why do you seek afar the one who’s always with youContinue reading “Ascension?”

Altar to an Unknown God

Altar to an Unknown God Easter 6; Acts 17:22-31 Perhaps an altar to an unknown god would not be solid slabs of stone or wood that brute force wrestled from the gaping sod and carved with symbols little understood. Perhaps some legs of driftwood, bare and white, would hold a sheath of woven bark andContinue reading “Altar to an Unknown God”

Resilience

Resilience When trees are wounded, torn by shearing wind or saw, their trunks bulge round the break, in time encompassing all but a rough dry scar. Trees pruned beneath the wires will sculpt themselves as signs of arbitrary loss, slow healing and regrowth, their new leaves reaching high. A flood might wash away a majorContinue reading “Resilience”

Many Dwelling Places

Many Dwelling Places Easter 5; John 14:1-14 Creator of diversity, you value all that’s odd and wild; at home in vast infinity, you house creation as your child. Your home has multitudes of rooms with space most generously to spare for different ways to be expressed, and guests to be unique yet share. Your homeContinue reading “Many Dwelling Places”

Two Shepherd Poems

He Calls by Name and Leads Easter 4; Psalm 23, John 10:1-10 Jesus used figures of speech: “I am the good shepherd; I am the gate.” Part of me resists those images. Sheep in this land are business; it was said Australia rode on their backs, a heavy weight for a small animal. The careContinue reading “Two Shepherd Poems”

The Road to Emmaus

The Road to Emmaus (sing to tune Christe Sanctorum, Christ is the world’s light TiS246) Easter 3; Luke 24:13-35 We know that weary way, burdened, walking, talking, thinking returning might relieve our grieving. Though Jesus does come near, eyes are kept from seeing Christ risen, God with us. When someone walks with us, asks toContinue reading “The Road to Emmaus”