Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom

Shake Off the Dust

This was written in 2021 for Mark 6:1-6. Feeling a bit overwhelmed this week, I’m repeating it for the identical passage, Matthew 13:54-58, at the end of Sunday’s gospel. Shake off the Dust Pentecost 9; Matthew 13:54-58 Year A (also Pentecost 6, Mark 6:1-13, Year B) The locals doubted Jesus could be wise: he grewContinue reading “Shake Off the Dust”

On Behalf of Random Seed

On Behalf of Random Seed Pentecost 7; Matthew 13:1-9. 18-23 Did Jesus limit how one hears, although he spoke to those with ears? Perhaps his followers explained, and parables became constrained. I guess I must appreciate that Jesus would communicate with literal-minded sons of law as well as friends of metaphor. Although perhaps it seemsContinue reading “On Behalf of Random Seed”

In the Marketplace

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”

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!””