To What Will I Compare This Generation?Pentecost 6; Matthew 11:15-19, 25-30Our markets are not graced with lilting airs,nor is there space or time for feet to dance.The love-lorn pop songs wail but no-one cares;beneath the car parks, air-starved planet pants.So, play the music that revives the souland sing laments for woes we need to hear.Oh,Continue reading “To What Will I Compare This Genertion?”
Category Archives: Pentecost
Welcome and Welcoming
Welcome and welcomingPentecost 5; Matthew 10:40-42Best welcome gives us space and lets us be.“Whoever welcomes you so welcomes me,”said Jesus. From experience he knewthat welcomers of Christians might be few.So many now mis-read him, mistrust us –not helped by slogan verses on a bus!The checkout operators often saywith bright and practised interest: “How’s your day?”“IContinue reading “Welcome and Welcoming”
Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar
Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out HagarPentecost 4; Genesis 21:8-21Do all the world’s warscome down to this:those who believe they are entitled to more for their childrenbecause of supposed superiorityof lineage, race, religion or nation,but whose actions are far from superior:enslaving, dis-respecting, mis-treating others,causing cultural loss, exile, wounds and death.Eventually the descendants of thoseforced out intoContinue reading “Repercussions of Sarah Driving Out Hagar”
For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God
For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God.Pentecost 3; Genesis 18:1-15Those three visitors came in the heat of the dayand old Abraham knew them: one Lord who was three.“Rest and eat now,” he offered, “then pass on your way.”So they ate and then promised a blessing to be.“Where is Sara your wife? She will bear youContinue reading “For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God”
In Need of a Physician
In Need of a PhysicianPentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13,18-26The tax collector Matthew worked for Romeand for his cut of takings on the side.Co-opted by the powers that seized his home,his soul was torn by choices that divide.His inner conflict and his neighbours’ scornbecame the sickness Jesus sought to heal.When he said, “Follow!” Matthew rose, new born,leftContinue reading “In Need of a Physician”
Pentecost Again
Pentecost AgainDay of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-4I’m no great fan of wind –it shakes me loose like autumn leavesuntil I feel unnerved, thin skinned,and something wistful grieves.Yet blow here, Spirit gale,break into comfort, shake the wallsthat shelter those afraid to failwho hide when challenge calls.I’m half afraid of flame –too often burnt or left with ash;withContinue reading “Pentecost Again”
Stones Thrown Down
Stones Thrown DownPentecost 23; Luke 21:5-19See, stones like bones still litter sacred ground,raise disembodied limbs into the sky.Remembered words passed down preserve the soundof prayers and chants until the echoes die.Beware of pride in massive building blocks,in gilded vessels, jeweled robes and glass.The rot begins with disenchanted flocksand pompous clergy who misuse their class.Rapacious empiresContinue reading “Stones Thrown Down”
Responding to Sadducees
Responding to SadduceesPentecost 22; Luke 20:27-40At High School, I was good at debating,but our arguments there were not heartfelt,just a mind game where stances were random:“Yes” or “No” was assigned, not self-chosen.Now real arguments set my gut seething.If beliefs are deep seated and fervent,seems my tongue and my brain lose connection.If I speak, it isContinue reading “Responding to Sadducees”
Belonging and Receiving
Belonging and ReceivingPentecost 20; Luke 18:15-17It is to such as thisthe realm of God belongs:the baby learning how to bewhose sustenance is love.Her joy is to explorethe colours, shapes and sounds;to her, the world’s new born,created for delight.Safe held in cradling arms,she smiles to know a face,then seeks her mother’s milk,warm flowing from the breast.ShowContinue reading “Belonging and Receiving”
The Need for Prayer
The Need for PrayerPentecost 19; Luke 181-14I’ve got a problem with prayerand it’s not just my discomfortwith Jesus’ teaching story.I don’t think the God I knowis anything like the unjust judgeworn down by determined nagging.Do we think that incessant prayingwill prompt God to enforce justice?I get Jesus’ point about the needto pray always and notContinue reading “The Need for Prayer”
Barb, poet priest 