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A Parallel Parable of Sower and Seed

A Parallel Parable of Sower and SeedPentecost 7; Matthew 13:1-23A farmer said he sowed his wheatinto the night. The seed ran out.He missed the sign: perhaps he dozed,equipment failed – both old and tired.He kept on sowing, unaware:part seed, part air drilled in the ground.How could he know which part might grow?I think he sowedContinue reading “A Parallel Parable of Sower and Seed”

To What Will I Compare This Genertion?

To What Will I Compare This Generation?Pentecost 6; Matthew 11:15-19, 25-30Our markets are not graced with lilting airs,nor is there space or time for feet to dance.The love-lorn pop songs wail but no-one cares;beneath the car parks, air-starved planet pants.So, play the music that revives the souland sing laments for woes we need to hear.Oh,Continue reading “To What Will I Compare This Genertion?”

Welcome and Welcoming

Welcome and welcomingPentecost 5; Matthew 10:40-42Best welcome gives us space and lets us be.“Whoever welcomes you so welcomes me,”said Jesus. From experience he knewthat 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 saywith bright and practised interest: “How’s your day?”“IContinue reading “Welcome and Welcoming”

Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar

Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out HagarPentecost 4; Genesis 21:8-21Do all the world’s warscome down to this:those who believe they are entitled to more for their childrenbecause of supposed superiorityof lineage, race, religion or nation,but whose actions are far from superior:enslaving, dis-respecting, mis-treating others,causing cultural loss, exile, wounds and death.Eventually the descendants of thoseforced out intoContinue reading “Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar”

For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God

For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God.Pentecost 3; Genesis 18:1-15Those three visitors came in the heat of the dayand old Abraham knew them: one Lord who was three.“Rest and eat now,” he offered, “then pass on your way.”So they ate and then promised a blessing to be.“Where is Sara your wife? She will bear youContinue reading “For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God”

In Need of a Physician

In Need of a PhysicianPentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13,18-26The tax collector Matthew worked for Romeand for his cut of takings on the side.Co-opted by the powers that seized his home,his soul was torn by choices that divide.His inner conflict and his neighbours’ scornbecame the sickness Jesus sought to heal.When he said, “Follow!” Matthew rose, new born,leftContinue reading “In Need of a Physician”

Pentecost Again

Pentecost AgainDay of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-4I’m no great fan of wind –it shakes me loose like autumn leavesuntil I feel unnerved, thin skinned,and something wistful grieves.Yet blow here, Spirit gale,break into comfort, shake the wallsthat shelter those afraid to failwho hide when challenge calls.I’m half afraid of flame –too often burnt or left with ash;withContinue reading “Pentecost Again”

On that Night

On that NightEaster 7; John 17:1-11On the night before he diedhe prayed for those given to him,asking for their protection in God’s name, so that they may be oneas he and the Father are one.He prayed that they may have eternal lifewhich is to know God and the one sent by God.What is the onenessContinue reading “On that Night”

Two Sonnets – one old, one new

Altar to an Unknown GodEaster 6; Acts 17:22-31Perhaps an altar to an unknown godwould not be solid slabs of stone or wood that brute force wrestled from the gaping sodand carved with symbols little understood.Perhaps some legs of driftwood, bare and white,would hold a sheath of woven bark and grass,or panel rescued from a ruinedContinue reading “Two Sonnets – one old, one new”