The House was Filled with the FragranceLent 5; John 12:1-11Whether or not he robs the common purse,his carping words steal beauty from her choice,and try to rob her of her hard won placeat Jesus’ feet, although her act gives voiceto gratitude for brother’s life restoredand grief prophetic of their teacher’s death.The ones who come toContinue reading “The House was Filled with the Fragrance”
Category Archives: Lent
The Prodigal Daughter
The Prodigal DaughterLent 4; Luke 15:11-32A young woman went off to a faraway landat a risk-taking age, with the gifts she had claimed.There she more or less squandered the hopes she had dreamed,for a love that her church-going lessons had blamed.How she hungered, and lived for the scraps that he threw,with her singer’s throat blockedContinue reading “The Prodigal Daughter”
Unless You Repent
Unless You RepentLent 3; Luke 13:1-9The victims of chance or a tyrant’s decreedid not die condemned for some personal sin,but Jesus spoke harshly to let people seesociety poised on the brink could fall in.The axe that is laid at the roots of our treeis nuclear war that no nation could win,abuse of Earth’s climate andContinue reading “Unless You Repent”
Lament for our Cities
Lament for Our CitiesLent 2; Luke 13; 31-35Weep for industrialized citieswhere the sky is dirtyand the earth cemented,where the waters are pollutedand the churches abandoned.How often has the Child of the Creatorsought to restore the Earth,and guide the people to healingin the clean flow of the Spirit,but we were not willing.Wail for commercialized cities,where theContinue reading “Lament for our Cities”
Temptations in the Wilderness
Temptations in the WildernessLent 1; Luke 4:1-15I have walked that wilderness,breathed its gritty, brazen air.Seems our culture lodges there!Voices work on our distress,tempting us to be secure –“Wealth can happiness ensure!”Spirit dreams evaporate!Bread is conjured out of stones,our reward as worker drones.“You can master petty fate!Power will help you keep your nerve!Just don’t question whoContinue reading “Temptations in the Wilderness”
Jesus lifted Up Draws Us to Himself
Jesus Lifted Up Draws Us to HimselfLent 5; John 12:20-33The crowd had thought his glory would be power.He chose to ride a donkey as foretold, but though they shouted: “Blessings on the King!”he knew their expectations soon would sour.But when some Greeks were drawn to seek him out,he saw it as a sign his hourContinue reading “Jesus lifted Up Draws Us to Himself”
God So Loves the World
God So Loves the WorldLent 4; John 3:14-21; Numbers 21:4-9Though God so loves the worldthe worldly make self god.They do not prize the giftthe Son is meant to be.What serves their purposesis all that they can see.What value put on lovethat’s offered to all free?Though God so loves the worldthe greedy make wealth god.Where’s profitContinue reading “God So Loves the World”
The Cleansing
The CleansingLent 3, John 2:13-22, Luke 12:32If he came to our churches on Sundayto be awkwardly greeted as strangerwould he fashion a whip for our cleansingwould we cringe from his anger as danger?Would he drive out conservative? liberal?or upend those who balance on fences?What offence might he take, at what practice?Would he shake up ourContinue reading “The Cleansing”
God Laughs, Weeps and Loves
God Laughs, Weeps and LovesLent 2; Genesis 17:1-17, Mark 8:31-38One theological truth I affirm:God has a sense of humourand we are made in that image too.Bless the Lord who laughs, weeps and loves.God made Abraham a solemn promiseand adjusted his name to mean”father of a multitude”, so Abrahamfell on his face and laughed,for he wasContinue reading “God Laughs, Weeps and Loves”
The Time is Fulfilled
The Time is FulfilledLent 1; Mark 1:9-15When we rise in urgent needseeking sun and air,from the depths enclosing uslike a womb or tomb,heavens open; gracious lifeswoops to meet us there,naming us as family,with the world our room.Something divine will alight on us,something human finds wings,something is heard that delights in us,something gives voice and sings.WhenContinue reading “The Time is Fulfilled”
Barb, poet priest 