Baptism as WatershedThe Baptism of the Lord; Luke 3:15-22John and Jesusin the waters:they were connectedbefore they were born,enfolded in separatebut related watersin Elizabeth, Mary,two prophet women,pregnant and waiting,singing their songsof liberation.At that meeting the childin the womb leapt for joy.Perhaps Mary ponderedprophetic knowingin one not yet born.And what of her foetusforetold by an angel?John andContinue reading “Baptism as Watershed”
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The Journey of the Wise
The Journey of the WiseEpiphany – Matthew 2:1-12There was a time when kings and queens were wiseand wisdom writings seen as Sacred Word;then Wisdom Woman, God in female guise,spoke at the crossroads and was widely heard.Young Solomon had prayed for wisdom’s sight;a wisdom school was fostered at his court,and foreign leaders came to share theContinue reading “The Journey of the Wise”
Christmas Giving
Christmas GivingI have no grandchildrento whom to give the giftsexpected at Christmas time.If I did, I would not givewhat the shops lure them to want –not electronic games, but clayanimals my hands have shaped,baked in the sun; not Barbiesbut hand-made dolls, knitted perhapsand stuffed with carded woolstill smelling of sheep.Would the childrens’ disgruntled politenesssmile theirContinue reading “Christmas Giving”
With Joy You Will Draw Water
With Joy You Will Draw WaterAdvent 3: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6Joy bubbles up like some underground streamchannelled anew to this hidden dry pool.Out of the depths it bursts into the light,mating with air in bright bubbles and mist.Maybe these waters remain for a time;maybe they’re gone soon after they’ve come:yet they awaken the ground allContinue reading “With Joy You Will Draw Water”
Singing after Silence
Singing after SilenceAdvent 2; Luke 1:68-89 (Song of Zechariah)Zechariah sang after silence.Without that muted waiting, would he have found his song?Doubt left him wordless,no questions or answers, just listening.Long awaited birth woke eloquence.Our world is clamorous; impatient with waiting, we exile silence,deaf to the still, small voice of mystery.There’s no hope of birthwithout the growingContinue reading “Singing after Silence”
Advent Song
Advent SongAdvent brings a pregnant waitinghoping for divine surprise.We expect the birth of Wisdom,truth that’s shaped to fit our eyes:gift of being needs our seeingmeaning in a baby’s cries.Advent intersects with prophetsexiled to beyond the walls,speaking of the need to journeyand to heed the word that calls:lonely teaching, dazed with reachingto where light or shadowContinue reading “Advent Song”
Song for the Counter-cultural Reign of Christ
Song for the Counter-cultural Reign of ChristJohn 18:13-37 Tune: O Waly, Waly, English trad. TiS654The tales we tell of those in powershow kings and tyrants, warped and sour,who cruelly trample those in need.While many starve, they richly feed.Some rulers build a guarded wall,while Christ’s way causes walls to fall.Some seize the law to serve theirContinue reading “Song for the Counter-cultural Reign of Christ”
Don’t Judge on Apearances
Don’t Judge on AppearancesPentecost 26, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-11Though lofty in appearance, temples fall.Our preconceptions dazzle us or blind,and prejudice makes tyrants of us allwhen how we mock or prize distorts our mind.Poor barren Hannah mouthing silent prayerwas judged as drunk when Eli misconstrued.She had to strip her desolation barebefore he blessed, instead ofContinue reading “Don’t Judge on Apearances”
Widows’ Stories Revisited
Widows’ Stories RevisitedPentecost 25; Mark 12:38-44; Ruth 3:1-5, 4:3-17Though Jesus and a scribe spoke with respect,and shared what love of God and neighbour meant,the scribes with pompous egos he’d reject,and call them hypocritical and bent.He claimed that widow’s houses they devour,then make a show of lengthy pious prayer.They used the law to profit by theirContinue reading “Widows’ Stories Revisited”
Love God, Love Neighbour
Love God, Love NeighbourPentecost 24; Mark 12:28-34Do I love Godwith heart, soul, mind, strength?Whether I love with allof all of the aboveI have to doubt.Over the years my hearthas had its passionsand its breakages,built its walls,and found safe waysto value and appreciate,but how whole-heartedin God’s eyes?My soul, that intimate stranger,has no form or faceI canContinue reading “Love God, Love Neighbour”
Barb, poet priest 