barbmessneroutlookcom

Offering

Offering John 6:1-15 (written c. 2005) His heart went out to them and he fed them, hoping they would recognize: that the satisfaction of hunger lies in leaving accustomed sustenance, and waiting for him to come amongst them, waiting in the open, in emptiness, needing to meet him and share whatever may be on offer.Continue reading “Offering”

Feeding Those Who May Not Gather

Feeding Those Who May Not Gather Pentecost 9, John 6:1-21 Confined to quarters by a covid scare no crowd can gather to be taught or fed – not that they would, for pews are partly bare on any Sunday, and though Jesus bled for all, not many hear that read. And yet a hunger lurksContinue reading “Feeding Those Who May Not Gather”

Our Need of Healing

Our Need of Healing Pentecost 8, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 What might we learn if we gathered to share all we have taught and done? Jesus would listen and help us discern what we have lost and won. Bodies can eat here, but souls are half-starved. We come and go distressed. He says, “Let’s go toContinue reading “Our Need of Healing”

Sacred Dance

Sacred Dance Pentecost 7, 2 Samuel 6, 1-5, 12-20, Mark 6:14-29 I have witnessed sacred dancing that has stirred my very being: wordless meaning that’s enhancing prayer inspired by what I’m seeing – spirit stirring, feelings freeing. Yet our mainstream church disdains it, though the censure is unspoken: formal liturgy restrains it into gestures thatContinue reading “Sacred Dance”

Shake off the Dust

Shake off the Dust Pentecost 6, Mark 6:1-13 The locals doubted Jesus could be wise: he grew to manhood right before their eyes, a carpenter whose kin they thought they knew. His gift was hampered, though he healed a few. Belief, it seems, enables Spirit power, and sceptics flourish in this day and hour, pursuingContinue reading “Shake off the Dust”

The Healing of Women

The Healing of Women Pentecost 5 Mark 5:21-43When Jesus heals, he seeks to make us whole:he healed the flow of blood the woman borefor twelve long years, but also healed her soul.Her shame was lifted, she need hide no more.Did Jesus feel his power go out to allthose women judged unclean who hide in fearandContinue reading “The Healing of Women”

Pitching Our Tents: Poetry of Hospitality

(Barbara Messner has a poem in this book, and would like to encourage people to read it and to contribute to the project it supports. The following is a description prepared by the editors:)“Pitching Our Tents: Poetry of Hospitality is a chapbook edited by Maren Tirabassi and Maria Mankin in support of Peace Cathedral inContinue reading “Pitching Our Tents: Poetry of Hospitality”

Anxiety

Anxiety Anxiety hops like a toad in my guts: it swims in my stomach and climbs up my throat. Like seagulls, it splatters my hopes with its buts; it circles my living like wall or like moat. But if it’s like toad, should I kiss it and see if it will turn royal and makeContinue reading “Anxiety”

Who then is this?

Who then is this? Pentecost 4, Mark 4:35-41 “Who then is this?” we ask. Do winds and waves obey a being set apart with words we dare not say, not even when we pray? “Who then is this?” we ask. A man so spent and worn he cannot help but sleep, although the skies areContinue reading “Who then is this?”