Passive Resistance Epiphany 7; Matthew 5:38-48 On mount or plain he teaches wisdom’s word: “When someone strikes you, turn the other cheek!” So counter-cultural, it seems absurd: how can he dare to claim: “Blessed are the meek?” You can’t defend your land if hands are slack. The law says: “Tooth for tooth and eye forContinue reading “Passive Resistance”
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Walking in the Ways of God (lyrics)
Walking in the Ways of God (Lyrics of a Song) Epiphany 6; Matthew 5: 21-48 1.When you’re angry, find some space; (walking in the ways of God) breathe and seek a healing place. (talking in the ways of God) Don’t insult or call them names! Leave their tit-for-tatting games! (walking in the ways of God;Continue reading “Walking in the Ways of God (lyrics)”
Salt of the Earth, Light of the World
Salt of the earth, light of the world Epiphany 5; Matthew 5:13-20 If we, like salt, bring savour, and conserve the earth, can we retain that quality? Will words that sparkle on the tongue preserve creation’s rights, and battle entropy? If we are light that’s set upon a hill, can we remain connected to aContinue reading “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World”
Blessed are Those, but What about Me?
Blessed are those, but what about me? Epiphany 4; Matthew 5:1-12 Ah! the Beatitudes! Why do I read them with unease? Do I flinch from the suffering, dare not claim the virtues? Can I see them as be-attitudes, sometimes experienced, often not, seldom attained by will and effort, their blessings paradoxical? Consider my poverty ofContinue reading “Blessed are Those, but What about Me?”
Out of the Blue
1. Lord, yes, I know the call goes on past these arrivals and beyond all that I know of who I am: I shall keep striving to respond. Here I am claimed, wrestled and named. Dark turns to light; grant me the sight. 2. Nothing as simple as one “yes” answers the urging that IContinue reading “Out of the Blue”
The Question of Call
The Question of Call Epiphany 3; Matthew 4:12-25 This inner urge, this outer nudge called “call” is hard to quantify or demonstrate, and having once said “yes”, that’s far from all. At times I do resist or remonstrate, pressed out and cut like pasta on a board, or wound around with tangled skeins of threadContinue reading “The Question of Call”
Poet’s Dilemma
Poet’s Dilemma I try to draw the searching word in sight to speak a truth I hardly know is there, or name a feeling that disturbs my night, or bring a smothered fear into the air. Sometimes I wake as words begin to cling – it’s best to get a pen and let them out,Continue reading “Poet’s Dilemma”
What Are You Looking For?
What are you looking for? Epiphany 2; John 1:29-42 When Jesus saw me following, he said, “What are you looking for?” I walked on slowly, pondering, and tried to reach for meaning’s core. “You are a chord to which I sing, a resonance most rich and true. You give imagination wing, show colours fresh withContinue reading “What Are You Looking For?”
Jesus’ Baptism
Jesus’ Baptism The Baptism of our Lord; Matthew 3:13-17 Just as he chose the waters of the womb, immersed himself in fragile life on earth, was formed in Mary’s body, cramped for room, then cried for air in dark and cold of birth, so now he answers to the Baptist’s call: the Jordan does notContinue reading “Jesus’ Baptism”
Girl on the Trampoline
Girl on the Trampoline The girl on the trampoline next door bounced up above the shielding fence that makes good neighbours scarcely known. She bounded up and into sight, yelled, “Hey, old lady!” Who was that? At first, I thought it wasn’t me, but there was no-one else to see. I heard her laugh inContinue reading “Girl on the Trampoline”
Barb, poet priest 