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Song of Lazarus

The Song of Lazarus Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” John 11:35,36 He called. I returned. What else could I do? Though hard it was, and dark to take up flesh I’d left, I did not think to blame. He called. I came forth. What else could IContinue reading “Song of Lazarus”

Jesus Wept

Jesus Wept (Reflection on John 11:32-44, gospel for All Saints’ Day) See, Jesus wept. We know he shares our grief. Like Martha, Mary dared to speak her mind. “If you had been here” – anger finds relief, expressing thoughts so painful and unkind. “If you had been here, he would not have died.” Then JesusContinue reading “Jesus Wept”

Now the Son in a Splendour

Now the Son in a splendour (lyrics) (suggested for All Saints’ Day, John 11:32-44) Now the Son in a splendour of wholeness has shattered the smallness of our mundane lives. He discards all our bindings and coffins, and calls to our dead and our lost to emerge. So our butterfly souls are unfurling, and heartsContinue reading “Now the Son in a Splendour”

Healing the Blind

Healing the Blind Mark 10:46-52, Pentecost 22 Look round and in for signs of loss of sight unrecognized by those left in the dark, maybe because they think they’re always right. Their inner blindness leaves no outer mark. They cannot see how racial hatred harms, or what life might be like for refugees. Their mindsContinue reading “Healing the Blind”

Word from a Whirlwind

Word from a Whirlwind God’s Answer to Job (Job 38—41) Why ask why? My realm’s too wild and wide, this cosmos too diverse, immense and free to bend its complex meaning to reward or punish what a creature strives to be. Gird up your loins, you mortal! Answer me! How dare you with your GodContinue reading “Word from a Whirlwind”

Sonnet for St. Francis

Sonnet for St. Francis Though Francis bore the marks of Jesus’ pain, he walked the roads in simple joy and danced. He cast aside the robes of merchant gain, embracing poverty as life enhanced. A fearsome wolf at his request grew tame – for animal and town a happy end. He preached to birds andContinue reading “Sonnet for St. Francis”

Making Space for the God of the Cosmos

Making Space for the God of the Cosmos For the patronal festival at St. Michael and All Angels, Bridgewater SA What does it take to see the stars? Our gaze is settled on the ground. Those minute pinpoints in the night are blazing suns immensely far beyond us, yet our city lights have dimmed them,Continue reading “Making Space for the God of the Cosmos”

For or Against

For or Against Pentecost 18, Mark 9:38-50 Seems like the ones who were closest to him wanted to claim rights to his name. Keep him exclusive to their chosen few: came to complain, sought to restrain someone unlicensed who heals in his name: not been approved should be removed. Maverick exorcist they wanted stopped! JesusContinue reading “For or Against”

Last of All and Servant of All

Last of All and Servant of All Pentecost 17, Mark 9:30-37 He taught them that the Son of Man would be betrayed by human hand. It seems he might have saved his breath: they could not bear his talk of death; they would not ask or understand. Instead they argued on the way, competing toContinue reading “Last of All and Servant of All”

Lose and Find

Lose and Find (Song Lyrics to the Welsh tune Ar hyd y nos: All through the night) Pentecost 16, Proverbs 1:20-33, Mark 8:27-38) 1. Lose the life that makes you smaller, scrambling for gain. Find the life that stretches taller, learning from pain. Take your cross and pray to bear it: God will find aContinue reading “Lose and Find”