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The Voice of Sanity

The Voice of SanityPentecost 2; Luke 8:26-39At times we chafe at chainsand shiver in our nakednessand life among the tombscan come to seem like home.We know him, Jesus Christ,but what he comes to offer ustorments us with a hopetoo often snatched away.We dare not answer “Yes!”,but he’s intent on healing us.Our demons, dispossessed,ride swine intoContinue reading “The Voice of Sanity”

Now Woman Wisdom

Now, Woman WisdomTrinity Sunday; Proverbs 8:1-4,22-31Now, Woman Wisdom, call!Raise your voice again!Take your stand at the crossroadsfor there are many mis-directions,and many rush headlong,though they know not where.Your cry is to all that live,for you were brought forthbefore the beginning of the Earth.You were the delight of the Creator,and joyful partner in the master work.WhatContinue reading “Now Woman Wisdom”

Holy Spirit Come!

Holy Spirit, Come!Day of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-21Holy Spirit, comein storied metaphorlike rushing windthat shakes the houseand tongues (or bush) of flame.If I could choose your form when we connect, I’d say: “Please be embodied as a bird: be like the dove descending,or the wild goose of Celtic art,or perhaps the mythic phoenix, consumed and rebornContinue reading “Holy Spirit Come!”

Freedom and Choice

Freedom and ChoiceEaster 7; Acts 16:16-40Freedom sometimes comeswhen foundations shakemaking doors spring wide.Earth shrugs off our chains.Free to go or stayPaul and Silas chose.“We are here!” they cried,saved the guard from harm.Then he washed their wounds,asked to be baptizedwith his family:faith born from relief.Though they were released,Paul claimed Roman rights,forced apologies.They were asked to leave.DidContinue reading “Freedom and Choice”

Trees in the Wind

Trees in the WindLeaves and twigs of blue gum treestossing in this gusty windsurge and thrash like storm lashed seas.Underneath the trunks are stillstanding strong amidst the stir.Could I learn such steadfast will?There are limbs of other gumschange will cause to drop to earth:death if one unwary comes.For the tree, is such loss wise,letting goContinue reading “Trees in the Wind”

Farewell Discourse

Farewell Discourse(Lyrics of a song to a Hebridean Folk tune, Eriskay Love Lilt)Easter 6; John 14:23-291.That last night he washed their feetand they shared the wine and bread.Facing death, he taught themlove would live though he’s dead.2.”Those who love me keep the wordthat the Father sent in me.We will love them and come;there at homeContinue reading “Farewell Discourse”

Dreaming a New Creation

Dreaming a New CreationEaster 5; Acts 11:1-18In Peter’s dream, the creatures deemed uncleanin sacred scrolls were called food fit to eat.Three times he heard the Spirit’s voice repeat:“Don’t call profane what God has now made clean!”Then Peter, urged by vision’s metaphor,agreed to travel to a Gentile home,invited by an officer from Rome –a breach ofContinue reading “Dreaming a New Creation”

Tell Us Plainly

Tell us PlainlyEaster 4; John 10:22-30There’s some who want a label, clearly stated,so they can judge and file this case away.The evidence of deeds is under rated,and mystery ignored on every day.If Jesus said, “For sure, I’m God’s Messiah!”they’d call it blasphemy and want him dead,dismiss him as deluded or a liar,and heap their scornContinue reading “Tell Us Plainly”

The Encounter on the Beach

The Encounter on the BeachEaster 3; John 21:1-19When they’d finished the meal,Jesus asked Peter an awkward question.“Simon son of John,” he said,(as though naming Peter’s attemptto revert to a pre-discipled state),“Do you love me more than these?”(Surely this was not a love competitionto choose the forerunnerof centuries of popes?)Maybe what he meant was:“Do you loveContinue reading “The Encounter on the Beach”

Doubt and Commitment

Doubt and CommitmentEaster 2; John 20:19-31When I was ordained deaconI was secretly gladthat the gospel that day spokeof Thomas the doubter,because I had my doubts -of the institutionrather than of God, and had been doubted,by the institutionalizedrather than by God.Before the doubts, Thomas said:“Let us also gothat we may die with him.”He fulfilled that commitmentlaterContinue reading “Doubt and Commitment”