In the Marketplace Matthew 11:15-19,25-30 In the marketplace we now have social distancing: we always had soul distancing. In the marketplace Jesus lamented unbridged distance of industrious self-absorption. In the marketplace music dribbles, no-one dances. Mourners crying find no sharing. In the marketplace John who is fasting seems obsessive, Jesus at table, over-indulgent. In theContinue reading “In the Marketplace”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
Welcome and Welcoming
Welcome and welcoming Matthew 10:40-42 Best welcome gives us space and lets us be. “Whoever welcomes you so welcomes me,” said Jesus. From experience he knew that welcomers of Christians might be few. So many now mis-read him, mistrust us – not helped by slogan verses on a bus! The checkout operators often say withContinue reading “Welcome and Welcoming”
More Value Than Many Sparrows?
More Value than Many Sparrows? Pentecost 4; Matthew 10:29-31 But why would God count humans of more value than one expiring two a penny sparrow? It’s we who price resources of our earth convinced that human profit has more worth than all the fragile beauties freely given and meant to draw us deeper into heavenContinue reading “More Value Than Many Sparrows?”
Why Did Sarah Laugh?
Why Did Sarah Laugh? Pentecost 3; Genesis 18:1-15 Why did Sarah laugh, listening in the tent, not out with the guests, though she’d made them cakes, quickly, as he said? “She will have a son!” Abraham was told, standing by the three, offering the food others had prepared. Menopause had passed – childless she remained;Continue reading “Why Did Sarah Laugh?”
Winter Clouds
Winter Clouds When skies are uniformly grey and drizzle dampens every walk, my soul shrinks down, half-turned away, lets inner colour smudge like chalk. If clouds and sun dance on the heights, then grey takes form in subtle hues, and white has brightness that delights, while gaps of sky show bluest blue. Then cast-down eyesContinue reading “Winter Clouds”
Say “Follow Me!”
Say Follow Me Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13 Say “Follow me!” It’s what some try to do, though few will leave position, power and wealth as Matthew did, inspired to follow you. Perhaps his soul was drawn to greater health. His healing meant he recognized your truth, reclaimed ideals he’d left upon a shelf, integrity abandonedContinue reading “Say “Follow Me!””
The Healing of Women
This poem was written in 2021 for Mark’s version of the story we have this Sunday in Matthew 9. I am repeating it partly to celebrate that the Anglican Diocese of the Murray where I live has finally decided to accept the ordination of women. The Healing of Women Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:18-26 (also PentecostContinue reading “The Healing of Women”
Trinity and Me
This poem of mine from 2020 was first published on Maren Tirabassi’s blog giftsinopenhands. Thanks as always to Maren for her encouragement, and her inspiring work. Trinity and me Trinity Sunday God, the Parent Creator, and I were delighted together one day. On our deck was a strutting magpie, boldly stepping as though on display.Continue reading “Trinity and Me”
Variations on Pentecost
Variations on Pentecost Day of Pentecost; John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21 To some the Spirit comes as breath to breath that wakens us to risen life in Christ. We know him and rejoice, receive his peace. Assured that we are sent as he was sent, we venture forth, commissioned to forgive. Our Pentecost may be aContinue reading “Variations on Pentecost”
Ascension?
Ascension? Ascension Day; Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 28: 16-20 He vanished from their sight, but did he rise to lofty palaces above the skies to sit in gloried state at God’s right hand? Or did he slip among them where they stand? The angels laughed: “Why do you seek afar the one who’s always with youContinue reading “Ascension?”
Barb, poet priest 