The Last Will Be FirstPentecost 17; Matthew 20:1-16The parables portray a grace-filled worldwhere straying sheep are found, not left to die,where precious seed is with abandon hurledon good ground and where stones and weeds might lie.In graced economies, the last are hired,for one hour’s work receive a whole day’s pay.Those who came first, observing whatContinue reading “The Last Will Be First”
Category Archives: Pentecost
Dilemmas of Forgiveness
Dilemmas of ForgivenessPentecost 16; Matthew 18:21-35If someone sins against us,Jesus said we should forgivenot seven times but seventy-seven,but how do we forgive those who harmor kill one dearly loved, and can we forgiveourselves those tragic errorswe fervently and futilely wish undone? Did his followers manage to forgivethe soldiers who nailed him to the cross,the imperialContinue reading “Dilemmas of Forgiveness”
Do Not Despise These Little Ones
Do Not Despise These Little OnesPentecost 15; Matthew 18:10-20If churches think that numbers show success,he says he’s there with only two or three;Christ’s presence may be lost amidst a crowdwhere few can see who anyone might be. If angels of the little ones see Godand adults need to look with childlike eyes,why say: “Grow up!Continue reading “Do Not Despise These Little Ones”
Show Me the Blaze that Won’t Consume
Show Me the Blaze that Won’t ConsumePentecost 14; Exodus 3:1-15; Matthew 16:21-28I’ve tended flocks I was assignedby patriarchs and hierarchs.I spent some years in wildernessand moved beyond and came at timesin sight of heights and spirit fire,and still I cry, “Show me the blazethat won’t consume and leave me ash.I’ll walk barefoot to such aContinue reading “Show Me the Blaze that Won’t Consume”
A Searching Question
A Searching QuestionPentecost 13; Matthew 16:13-20I hoped to change opinionswhen I have said and writtensome fervent words and sermonsin answer to his question:“But who do you say I am?”What people say about himso often seems distorted,and other people sufferthrough prejudice and judgement.Such harm is not from Jesus.His misused name made victims:lost cultures, language, children;crusades, witchContinue reading “A Searching Question”
A Daughter Tormented by a Demon
A Daughter Tormented by a DemonPentecost 12; Matthew 15:21-28The Canaanite mother kept shouting: “Mercy for my daughter!”The disciples came and urged Jesus: “Send her away!”Longing for peace, he did not answer her, then was dismissive.Undaunted in faith, she answered back. Healing happened.The demons who torment our daughters and sonsare trolls on social media, bullies andContinue reading “A Daughter Tormented by a Demon”
Walking on Water
Walking on WaterPentecost 11; Matthew 14:22-36You come to me when strength begins to failand waves of chaos loom above my head.All night the gale has toyed with skill and sail;my hope is now too shredded to be said.At dawn you walk on water, coming near:it seems you move above and in and throughas though atContinue reading “Walking on Water”
You Give Them Something to Eat
You Give Them Something to EatPentecost 9; Matthew 14:13-21Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place to grieve:mourning the execution of a prophetat the order of an indulgent king,the loss of a relative, mentor, baptizer,fearless voice from the wildernessof a colonized country.A crowd followed on foot from the townso there would be no solitude.TurningContinue reading “You Give Them Something to Eat”
The Cost of Finding Treasure
The Cost of Finding TreasurePentecost 9; Matthew 13:44-58Jesus told of treasure found outdoors,hidden in the earth beneath the stars.Could you change your life to make it yours?Leave behind what modern living mars?Do without your mobile phone and cars?Walk on country with respect and care?Turn away from city nights in bars?Breathe the health of wide, untaintedContinue reading “The Cost of Finding Treasure”
Weeds Amongst the Wheat
Weeds Amongst the WheatPentecost 8; Matthew 13:24-30Who is to blame for weeds amongst the wheat?Do seeds of hate and prejudice remain,lodged out of sight until they can compete,released by heat and stirred to life by rain?Their roots lie tangled with the growing grain:to tear them up would risk uprooting crop.At harvest time, their nature willContinue reading “Weeds Amongst the Wheat”
