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The Return

The Return Advent 2, Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 Laments for exile flowed in psalm and tears, but Babylon was home in passing years. Prophetic vision urged them to go back, but more than valleys faced them on that track. The Baptist called the people to repent, prepare the way for one whom God had sent.Continue reading “The Return”

Precarious Advent

Precarious Advent Advent 1 2023; Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 I hide my imagining eyes from apocalyptic visions – stars falling, heavens darkened; although my rational mind admits humanity courts self-destruction generation after generation. There is some comfort in the promise that the Cosmic Christ is, has been, will be there in the most desperate times,Continue reading “Precarious Advent”

A Sonnet for Christ the King

A Sonnet for Christ the King When Pilate asked him if he was a king,“You say so,” were the only words he said.He would not answer back to anything,though mocked with crown of thorns upon his head.So if you call him king, then be awarethat in his kingdom might is seldom right:ex-presidential spite would shrivelContinue reading “A Sonnet for Christ the King”

Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given

Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given Pentecost 25; Matthew 25:14-30 There are talents we’ve been given here at hand – ingenuity, resources, power enough – to turn back the ticking clocks of climate change, and restore the fraught ecology of earth. Still we bury that potential out of fear of the consequencesContinue reading “Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given”

Wise or Foolish

Wise or Foolish Pentecost 24; Matthew 25:1-13 Ten bridesmaids await the groom. Those with lanterns still alight follow to the feasting room; five have gone off out of sight. Those with spare oil would not share, fearing none would have enough – wise perhaps, but lacking care? Foolish ones must do it tough. Though theyContinue reading “Wise or Foolish”

How to Emulate the Saints

How to Emulate the Saints I know of saints who braved the harshest dooms – such courage I cannot aspire to seek. For me, each dental visit darkly looms, and medical appointments spoil my week. St. Anthony of Padua talked with fish and Francis understood the wolf and birds – these saints can stir inContinue reading “How to Emulate the Saints”

Love and the Referendum

Love and the Referendum Pentecost 22; Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 “Love God. Love neighbour.” Jesus said that these are life’s great laws. Did those who voted “No” that day let love give cause to pause? If we refuse to listen, can First Nations know we care? Both lovers urged us to say “Yes”, but fearContinue reading “Love and the Referendum”

A Frank Exchange of Views

A Frank Exchange of Views Pentecost 21, Matthew 22:15-23, Exodus 33:12-23 Both God and Jesus welcome a debate, a frank exchange of views to clear the air. When Moses talks to God, he tells it straight, and God lets go of wrath, reverts to care. The Sadducees and scribes use words to snare, but JesusContinue reading “A Frank Exchange of Views”

Invited to Attend

Invited to Attend Pentecost 20; Matthew 22:1-14 I admit I was invited to attend that wedding banquet. It would be a celebration of life’s intimate commitment and potential procreation. Somehow that seemed uninviting: I’d no time nor inclination to join mass produced rejoicing. I had one regret – the gardens. There I knew I’d findContinue reading “Invited to Attend”