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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”

On that Night

On that NightEaster 7; John 17:1-11On the night before he diedhe prayed for those given to him,asking for their protection in God’s name, so that they may be oneas he and the Father are one.He prayed that they may have eternal lifewhich is to know God and the one sent by God.What is the onenessContinue reading “On that Night”

Two Sonnets – one old, one new

Altar to an Unknown GodEaster 6; Acts 17:22-31Perhaps an altar to an unknown godwould not be solid slabs of stone or wood that brute force wrestled from the gaping sodand carved with symbols little understood.Perhaps some legs of driftwood, bare and white,would hold a sheath of woven bark and grass,or panel rescued from a ruinedContinue reading “Two Sonnets – one old, one new”

Many Dwelling Places

Many Dwelling PlacesEaster 5; John 14:1-14Creator 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 roomswith space most generously to sparefor different ways to be expressed,and guests to be unique yet share. Your home is open when I knock:the fires are burning, bedsContinue reading “Many Dwelling Places”

The Trouble with Being the Word

The Trouble with Being the WordEaster 4; John 10:1-10Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you,” words that mark important meanings.Then he used a series of metaphors,“sheepfold”, “gate”, “shepherd”, “sheep” -figures of speech he wove into a storythat likened him to a shepherd,a familiar connection in Scripture.Too many have lost that mine of wisdomso they don’tContinue reading “The Trouble with Being the Word”

You on the Road to Emmaus

You on the Road to EmmausEaster 3; Luke 24:13-35Sometimes all you can do iswalk away:away from the crosses on a hilland a tomb whether empty or not,away from your failures as followersand the loss of your hope and purpose,away from overwhelming emotion,that sink hole of anger, grief and fear. At least if there’s two youContinue reading “You on the Road to Emmaus”

Experience of Resurrection

Experience of ResurrectionEaster Day; Matthew 28:1-10I have not hurried, as day dawned,feeling earth quake, the tomb undone,yet I have felt that stone roll back,tomb become womb in light of sun.I have not heard the angel say:“Don’t be afraid, he is not here!”,yet I can tell that he is raised -in sacred story he comes near.ThereContinue reading “Experience of Resurrection”

Dawn on Us Risen Christ

Dawn on Us Risen ChristEaster DayHow we long for the coming of some Easter dawnwhere the cross and the tomb do not have the last word,where no children lie dead amidst bomb shattered stoneand where mercy can rise despite power grown absurd.The false trappings of empire have long bit the dustbut the wanna-be emperors stillContinue reading “Dawn on Us Risen Christ”