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”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
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”
Make Wise the Simple
Make Wise the Simple Pentecost 19; Psalm 19, Matthew 21:33-46 The heavens and the earth proclaim God’s glory throughout time and space. Can we let silence tune our ear enough that we might dimly hear the cosmos praise God’s work and name in awe and wonder at God’s grace? The word of God revives theContinue reading “Make Wise the Simple”
2 Poems for Saint’s Days
Angelic EncounterSt. Michael and All Angels Day (written September 2020)If you ask me if I’ve seen an angel,I’m not sure what you’ll make of my answer:I have seen a great wing in the heavenswith light gilding the arc of its feathers;though I knew it was cloud, yet the messagewas as clear to my heart asContinue reading “2 Poems for Saint’s Days”
In Reverse
In Reverse Pentecost 17; Matthew 20:1-16 Common practice then and now favours what is called success: being chosen, coming first; working harder, earning more; making sure we get what’s fair; sussing out what favours us. God, it seems, works in reverse, favours those our ways neglect: last is first and first is last; what isContinue reading “In Reverse”
2 Poems
Prayer for Liberation Pentecost 16; Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 O God who leads slaves to freedom and sweeps away pursuing forces liberate those forced to labour to their detriment for the profit of others and those held down by discrimination. Clog the wheels of abusive power and greedy money. Liberating God lead to freedom thoseContinue reading “2 Poems”
A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme
A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme Pentecost 15; Matthew 18:10-20 (John 10:7-16) If he’s a good shepherd, am I a good sheep? I like to feel safe when it’s time to sleep. He’s shepherd and gate, for he gives us the choice: “Come in or go out, but still hear my voice.” One time at high noonContinue reading “A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme”
Get Behind Me, Satan!
Get Behind Me Satan Pentecost 14; Matthew 16:21-28 “Get behind me Satan!” he said to one he valued as rock to build a church on: worth noting just how quickly key insights get distorted by our survival instinct and lustful need for power to do away with suffering and concentrate on winning. “Oh! Get behindContinue reading “Get Behind Me, Satan!”
The Messianic Secret
This poem is on my home page, because it speaks of the climate in which I write, and the questions I explore through writing: “Who are you? and “Who am I?” The Messianic Secret Pentecost 13; Matthew 16:13-20 “Now who do people say I am?” What if he asked that in this space? I mightContinue reading “The Messianic Secret”
A Daughter Tormented by a Demon
A Daughter Tormented by a Demon Pentecost 12; Matthew 15:21-28 The Canaanite mother kept shouting: “Mercy for my daughter!” The disciples came and urged Jesus: “Send her away!” Longing for peace, he did not answer her, then was dismissive. Undaunted in faith, she answered back. Healing happened. The demons who torment our daughters and sonsContinue reading “A Daughter Tormented by a Demon”
Barb, poet priest 