Who is Mary? Advent 4 Luke 1:26-38 Not blue and white, immaculate and fair? The Mary I imagine and admire is dark, with untamed eyes that probe and flare: a woman fit to mate with Spirit fire. The label “Virgin” now precedes her name, as though to guarantee unworldly worth, yet earthy common sense hasContinue reading “2 Sonnets”
Author Archives: barbmessneroutlookcom
Who are you? What do you say about yourself?
Who are you? What do you say about yourself?for Advent 3, John 1:6-8, 19-28I’m not the Messiah, although sometimesI wish I could save the church I love –the world as a whole is out of my league.I’m not a prophet, although sometimesthe words I write seem given to share,and so I rejoice to see themContinue reading “Who are you? What do you say about yourself?”
Advent Song
Waiting, not knowing (Lyrics of Advent song)Waiting, not knowing: Lord, here we are again!Waiting, not knowing, can send this world insane.Give me the wisdom to trust and not complain.Some say that waiting on you is greatest gain.Open that space of emptinessin which I wait on you.Freed of anxiety and stress,I let my thoughts be few.ThereContinue reading “Advent Song”
The Return
The Return Advent 2, Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 Laments for exile flowed in psalm and tears, but Babylon was home in passing years. Prophetic vision urged them to go back, but more than valleys faced them on that track. The Baptist called the people to repent, prepare the way for one whom God had sent.Continue reading “The Return”
Precarious Advent
Precarious Advent Advent 1 2023; Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 I hide my imagining eyes from apocalyptic visions – stars falling, heavens darkened; although my rational mind admits humanity courts self-destruction generation after generation. There is some comfort in the promise that the Cosmic Christ is, has been, will be there in the most desperate times,Continue reading “Precarious Advent”
A Sonnet for Christ the King
A Sonnet for Christ the King When Pilate asked him if he was a king,“You say so,” were the only words he said.He would not answer back to anything,though mocked with crown of thorns upon his head.So if you call him king, then be awarethat in his kingdom might is seldom right:ex-presidential spite would shrivelContinue reading “A Sonnet for Christ the King”
Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given
Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given Pentecost 25; Matthew 25:14-30 There are talents we’ve been given here at hand – ingenuity, resources, power enough – to turn back the ticking clocks of climate change, and restore the fraught ecology of earth. Still we bury that potential out of fear of the consequencesContinue reading “Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given”
Wise or Foolish
Wise or Foolish Pentecost 24; Matthew 25:1-13 Ten bridesmaids await the groom. Those with lanterns still alight follow to the feasting room; five have gone off out of sight. Those with spare oil would not share, fearing none would have enough – wise perhaps, but lacking care? Foolish ones must do it tough. Though theyContinue reading “Wise or Foolish”
How to Emulate the Saints
How to Emulate the Saints I know of saints who braved the harshest dooms – such courage I cannot aspire to seek. For me, each dental visit darkly looms, and medical appointments spoil my week. St. Anthony of Padua talked with fish and Francis understood the wolf and birds – these saints can stir inContinue reading “How to Emulate the Saints”
Love and the Referendum
Love and the Referendum Pentecost 22; Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 34:1-12 “Love God. Love neighbour.” Jesus said that these are life’s great laws. Did those who voted “No” that day let love give cause to pause? If we refuse to listen, can First Nations know we care? Both lovers urged us to say “Yes”, but fearContinue reading “Love and the Referendum”
Barb, poet priest 