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”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
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”
A Sea Shanty
A Sea Shanty Pentecost 11; Matthew 14:22-36 Now each wave surges high and the wind rages by and the boat feels as frail as a twig! Skill and courage unwind as the shore slips behind and the storm clouds loom up wild and big. So now where is the one who can brighten the sunContinue reading “A Sea Shanty”
A Blessing and a Wounding
A Blessing and a Wounding Pentecost 10; Genesis 32:22-31 At times we come to crossings as Jacob did at Jabbok. Our people and possessions go on across the waters – incentive and appeasement to clear a path to follow. Yet we remain, in turmoil, as day gives way to nightfall. Do past transgressions hold us,Continue reading “A Blessing and a Wounding”
So They Kept the Matter to Themselves
So They Kept the Matter to Themselves Transfiguration; Mark 9:2-10 I have been on those heights everything radiant pregnant with presence clouds trailing glory while near me I heard words of listening and love Dreamed I worshipped you there poised at the crux of prophecy law or future and past all around I perceived ourContinue reading “So They Kept the Matter to Themselves”
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”
Encompass Us
Encompass Us Pentecost 8; Psalm 139, Matthew 13: 24-43 Search me, O God, and know my heart, my words and path discern. Though I might try to hide apart, you find me when I turn. Confronting to be searched and known, but comforting as well. A knowing love transforms its own; unknown is lonely hell.Continue reading “Encompass Us”
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”
Barb, poet priest 