God is love (Easter 5 John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21)All people who use languageare second-hand word-mongers:we mangle words or varnishby buying into meaningsto suit rival agendas.We fumble in our juggling,and truth becomes entangledwith hurts to which we’re subject,and what one hears, anotherwould never have imagined.So “God is love” gets twistedfor some who hear “Our Father”.TheyContinue reading “God is Love”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
Warning: Sheep Astray
Warning: Sheep AstrayEaster 4; Psalm 23Good shepherd, there is much we seem to lack,though having much has blurred the truth of need.If you could lead us weary creatures back,green pastures and still pools might soothe and feed.Our souls are parched, our bodies over fed;right pathways now have given way to roads.We seek refreshment, yet willContinue reading “Warning: Sheep Astray”
A Greeting of Peace
A Greeting of PeaceEaster 3; Luke 24:36b-48; Acts 3:12-20; Psalm 4He stood among them, offered them his peace.Amazed and doubting, they were terrified:they thought they saw the ghost of one who’d died.How did he help their fear and doubt to cease?He chose to let them see his damaged flesh;he showed the wounds in hands andContinue reading “A Greeting of Peace”
Thomas and Us
Thomas and UsEaster 2; John 20:19-31The label “doubting” dogged him down the years –it’s more than any saint should have to bear.Did “doubting” Thomas add that shame to tears,so grief and anger barred his need to share?The risen Christ has no respect for locks,nor will defensive doubt turn him away.He lets his wounds be seen,toContinue reading “Thomas and Us”
Palm Sunday Paradox
Palm Sunday ParadoxPalm Sunday; Mark 11:1-11They wanted a victor to take power and reign –his crown would be thorns on a victim in pain.The man on a donkey, foretold as a king,rode humbly despite the hosannas they sing.They’d gathered some converts to bolster their cause;his teaching forgotten in shouts and applause.Yet how many times hadContinue reading “Palm Sunday Paradox”
Jesus lifted Up Draws Us to Himself
Jesus Lifted Up Draws Us to HimselfLent 5; John 12:20-33The crowd had thought his glory would be power.He chose to ride a donkey as foretold, but though they shouted: “Blessings on the King!”he knew their expectations soon would sour.But when some Greeks were drawn to seek him out,he saw it as a sign his hourContinue reading “Jesus lifted Up Draws Us to Himself”
God So Loves the World
God So Loves the WorldLent 4; John 3:14-21; Numbers 21:4-9Though God so loves the worldthe worldly make self god.They do not prize the giftthe Son is meant to be.What serves their purposesis all that they can see.What value put on lovethat’s offered to all free?Though God so loves the worldthe greedy make wealth god.Where’s profitContinue reading “God So Loves the World”
The Cleansing
The CleansingLent 3, John 2:13-22, Luke 12:32If he came to our churches on Sundayto be awkwardly greeted as strangerwould he fashion a whip for our cleansingwould we cringe from his anger as danger?Would he drive out conservative? liberal?or upend those who balance on fences?What offence might he take, at what practice?Would he shake up ourContinue reading “The Cleansing”
God Laughs, Weeps and Loves
God Laughs, Weeps and LovesLent 2; Genesis 17:1-17, Mark 8:31-38One theological truth I affirm:God has a sense of humourand we are made in that image too.Bless the Lord who laughs, weeps and loves.God made Abraham a solemn promiseand adjusted his name to mean”father of a multitude”, so Abrahamfell on his face and laughed,for he wasContinue reading “God Laughs, Weeps and Loves”
The Time is Fulfilled
The Time is FulfilledLent 1; Mark 1:9-15When we rise in urgent needseeking sun and air,from the depths enclosing uslike a womb or tomb,heavens open; gracious lifeswoops to meet us there,naming us as family,with the world our room.Something divine will alight on us,something human finds wings,something is heard that delights in us,something gives voice and sings.WhenContinue reading “The Time is Fulfilled”
Barb, poet priest 