Barb, poet priest

The Return

The Return

Advent 2, Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8

Laments for exile flowed in psalm and tears,

but Babylon was home in passing years.

Prophetic vision urged them to go back,

but more than valleys faced them on that track.

The Baptist called the people to repent,

prepare the way for one whom God had sent.

So Christ as Suffering Servant walked his path:

a cross upon a hill was aftermath.

Now we are exiles who don’t even weep

for spirit that we’ve lost and ways too deep.

We’re urged to strive towards achievement’s peak,

but where’s the meaning worth our while to seek?

The way of Christ is lonely, rough and steep,

but word of vision stirs our half-drugged sleep.

	Barbara Messner 2 December 2020

Precarious Advent

Precarious Advent
Advent 1 2023; Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9
I hide my imagining eyes
from apocalyptic visions –
stars falling, heavens darkened;
although my rational mind admits
humanity courts self-destruction
generation after generation.

There is some comfort in the promise
that the Cosmic Christ is, has been, will be
there in the most desperate times,
and his words will not pass away,
though heaven and earth are transient.

Yet in this precarious Advent,
daunted by end time scenarios,
do I really want to stay awake,
or rather in mists of unknowing,
beyond smoke screens of wilful unseeing,
to dream I feel the hands of the potter
moulding the clay of our being,
finding the form and the colours
that will emerge transformed by fire?
	Barbara Messner 28/11/2023

When Pilate asked him if he was a king,
“You say so,” were the only words he said.
He would not answer back to anything,
though mocked with crown of thorns upon his head.
So if you call him king, then be aware
that in his kingdom might is seldom right:
ex-presidential spite would shrivel there,
and media moguls lose their power to blight.
The one who comes in glory can be seen
in those laid low by hunger, illness, thirst,
imprisoned, naked, branded as unclean –
all those regarded as the least and worst.
We meet him in the stranger at our door;
his kingdom comes in service to the poor.
Barbara Messner 18 November 2020

Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given

Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given
Pentecost 25; Matthew 25:14-30
There are talents we’ve been given here at hand –
ingenuity, resources, power enough –
to turn back the ticking clocks of climate change,
and restore the fraught ecology of earth.

Still we bury that potential out of fear
of the consequences even if we’re right.
What does head in sand style leadership avoid –
loss of present profit, influence and pride?

There are harsher repercussions that await
any failure to accept a timely role
in the restoration that might save the world.
For what profit is a short-term bonus now

if our children’s children can’t escape the doom
of the outer darkness, wails and gnashing teeth?
Yes, to those who venture nothing, all is lost,
while abundance flows to those who risk their more.
	Barbara Messner 10 November 2020

Wise or Foolish

Wise or Foolish
Pentecost 24; Matthew 25:1-13
Ten bridesmaids await the groom.
Those with lanterns still alight
follow to the feasting room;
five have gone off out of sight.

Those with spare oil would not share,
fearing none would have enough –
wise perhaps, but lacking care?
Foolish ones must do it tough.

Though they seek a dealer out
to replenish their supplies,
still they’re left to do without,
doors are shut, a cruel surprise.

Just a cautionary tale –
followers of Christ must wait,
letting no commitment fail –
yet it stirs in me a state

of resistance, talking back:
“What is foolish? What is wise?
Surely they supplied their lack?
Who would then deny their cries?

Is this unforgiving Lord
one that I can’t recognize?
Are we meant to guard our hoard,
not to share with those unwise?

I who frequently forget,
am I one without spare oil?
What if lamps go out, and yet
failure’s overcome with toil?

Seems to me the loving Lord
would not shut the foolish out,
nor deny them with a word,
but would welcome those without.

Still it’s true we have to wait,
and our light can start to dim.
When I’m in that burnt out state,
best to stay and wait for him.

To me, Jesus never said:
“You have failed to bring supplies!”
Giving me the wine and bread
fills the lack in what is wise.

Had they stayed till he was there,
said, “Forgive our loss of light,”
those deemed wise might learn to share
and the foolish turn out bright.
	Barbara Messner 4 November 2020

How to Emulate the Saints

How to Emulate the Saints
I know of saints who braved the harshest dooms –
such courage I cannot aspire to seek.
For me, each dental visit darkly looms,
and medical appointments spoil my week.
St. Anthony of Padua talked with fish
and Francis understood the wolf and birds –
these saints can stir in me an eager wish
to reach beyond the scope of human words
to listen to the creatures, learn their ways.
Respectful and aware, I might discern
what notes birds sing that fill the air with praise,
and with companion animals, I’d learn
to read their needs, and joyfully to share
the generous self-giving of true care. 
	Barbara Messner 28 October 2020

Love and the Referendum

Love and the Referendum
Pentecost 22; Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 34:1-12
“Love God. Love neighbour.” Jesus said
that these are life’s great laws.
Did those who voted “No” that day
let love give cause to pause?

If we refuse to listen, can
First Nations know we care?
Both lovers urged us to say “Yes”,
but fear was louder there.

“Voice. Treaty. Truth.” the elders wrote.
Expediency said “No”.
Then racist voices grew in strength,
and let their hatred show.

And so this shameful history
goes on beyond that day.
Now have we glimpsed the Promised Land,
but perished on the way?
	Barbara Messner 26/10/2023

A Frank Exchange of Views

A Frank Exchange of Views
Pentecost 21, Matthew 22:15-23, Exodus 33:12-23
Both God and Jesus welcome a debate,
a frank exchange of views to clear the air.
When Moses talks to God, he tells it straight,
and God lets go of wrath, reverts to care.
The Sadducees and scribes use words to snare,
but Jesus turns the tables with his skill:
the coin they showed him with the emperor’s stare
did not belong within the temple till.
A bride for seven brothers was absurd,
but mocking can’t deny the heavenly life
where women’s rights to dignity are heard,
and no-one is defined as slave or wife.
So if you need to name your fears or doubt,
then share your thoughts and let the questions out.
  Barbara Messner 14 October 2020

Invited to Attend

Invited to Attend
Pentecost 20; Matthew 22:1-14
I admit I was invited 
to attend that wedding banquet.
It would be a celebration
of life’s intimate commitment
and potential procreation.
Somehow that seemed uninviting:
I’d no time nor inclination
to join mass produced rejoicing.

I had one regret – the gardens.
There I knew I’d find abundance,
strolling down the tree-lined pathways
bright with buds and vivid blossoms,
breathing aromatic breezes,
pine and jasmine, mint and roses,
tasting peaches, grapes and berries
growing free for all to savour,
hearing bird song and the music 
of the streams and distant ocean.

Why did I say “No!” in answer?
I was busy and distracted,
but in truth I did regret it,
wondered what I might be missing.

Later I went out, uneasy,
walked the streets but going nowhere,
empty in my heart and belly.
When the servants bade us go there,
I was ready to do something,
joined the crowd to seek the banquet.
Wedding garments we were handed,
made to cover rags and street dirt.

In that robe I felt a stranger,
trapped, humiliated, silenced:
me, a guest they once respected,
treated like a homeless hobo.
Soon I started itching, twitching,
tore the garment off and left it,
stormed towards the open gateway.

When the gate clanged shut behind me,
I was left bereft and lonely,
hungry, missing that abundance
handed freely to all comers.
Suddenly my pride seemed foolish,
and my busy ways deluded.
How I wished that I had heeded 
that first summons, or indeed, had
humbly worn the wedding garment
like the vagrants they collected.

Shall I knock and seek forgiveness,
pick the garment up and wear it,
no more worthy than the lowly,
no less welcome now I know me?
	Barbara Messner 11/10/2023