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”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
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”
Healing Choices
Healing ChoicesEpiphany 6; 2 Kings 5:1-14; Mark 1:40-45If a slave girl had not sharedfaith in godly power to heal,if some servants had not cared,spoken out with frank appeal,would his body be restored,soul washed clean of futile pride?Naaman’s servants saved their lord,braved his wrath, set fear aside.Banned from contact, yet he cameclose to Jesus, begged andContinue reading “Healing Choices”
Woman Lifted Up
Woman Lifted UpEpiphany 5; Mark 1:29-39He took her by the hand and raised her up,and then the fever left her, and the lossof home and husband and her role and placeno longer kept her weak, confined to bed.She felt empowered to serve them in this housethat was not hers, but where perhaps she might,by servingContinue reading “Woman Lifted Up”
Unsanctioned Authority
Unsanctioned AuthorityEpiphany 4; Mark 1:21-28They said he spoke with authority:a truth more real than the words of scribes,a truth their leaders dare not see.The unclean spirit loudly saidboth Jesus’ name and holy fame.At his command that spirit fled.He dared to heal in the synagogue:the bent stood straight, the withered whole.No wonder crowds were all agog.TheyContinue reading “Unsanctioned Authority”
Sonnets for Ministers
Reluctant Prophet Epiphany 3; Jonah 3 Then Jonah heard the word a second time: he’d been regurgitated on the land. His choice to flee had left him slick with slime, for Nineveh was not the call he’d planned. His journey to the depths had changed his mind: he preached a storm to Nineveh despised, andContinue reading “Sonnets for Ministers”
You Search Me Out
You search me out (Lyrics, suggested tune Irish, God moves in a mysterious way, but can be sung to Crimond or Amazing grace)Epiphany 2; Psalm 139:1-5,12-18; John 1: 43-511.You search me out and know my soul,know when I sit or stand,and if I fall, no longer whole,your love will understand.2.You watch my path and whereContinue reading “You Search Me Out”
Barb, poet priest 