In the Land Opposite Galilee Pentecost 2; Luke 8: 26-39 He’d break his bonds and flee into the wild – a city man by unclean powers possessed, in lands the Roman legions occupied. The spirits said that “Legion” was their name. When demon-driven pigs fell in the lake, was that a portent of defeat ofContinue reading “In the Land Opposite Galilee”
Category Archives: Pentecost
Experiencing Pentecost in the Present
Experiencing Pentecost in the Present Day of Pentecost; Acts 2:1-21 If someone from outside comes into church, (infrequent in these days, but still we hope), they’ll see us dressed in red for Pentecost. There might be red balloons, or paper doves, or something sung in Spanish, French or Greek. How might the stranger feel theContinue reading “Experiencing Pentecost in the Present”
Don’t Judge on Appearances
Don’t Judge on Appearances Pentecost 25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Mark 13:1-11 Though lofty in appearance, temples fall. Our preconceptions dazzle us or blind, and prejudice makes tyrants of us all when how we mock or prize distorts our mind. Poor barren Hannah mouthing silent prayer was judged as drunk when Eli misconstrued. She had toContinue reading “Don’t Judge on Appearances”
Beware!
Beware! Pentecost 24, Mark 12:38-44 He named it then, and he’d name it now! Though they crucify him, he would say, “Beware of those who show off in the marketplace, who expect respect and who claim they care, who display their wealth and yet grasp for more while the generous poor are left stripped andContinue reading “Beware!”
Healing the Blind
Healing the Blind Mark 10:46-52, Pentecost 22 Look round and in for signs of loss of sight unrecognized by those left in the dark, maybe because they think they’re always right. Their inner blindness leaves no outer mark. They cannot see how racial hatred harms, or what life might be like for refugees. Their mindsContinue reading “Healing the Blind”
Word from a Whirlwind
Word from a Whirlwind God’s Answer to Job (Job 38—41) Why ask why? My realm’s too wild and wide, this cosmos too diverse, immense and free to bend its complex meaning to reward or punish what a creature strives to be. Gird up your loins, you mortal! Answer me! How dare you with your GodContinue reading “Word from a Whirlwind”
For or Against
For or Against Pentecost 18, Mark 9:38-50 Seems like the ones who were closest to him wanted to claim rights to his name. Keep him exclusive to their chosen few: came to complain, sought to restrain someone unlicensed who heals in his name: not been approved should be removed. Maverick exorcist they wanted stopped! JesusContinue reading “For or Against”
Last of All and Servant of All
Last of All and Servant of All Pentecost 17, Mark 9:30-37 He taught them that the Son of Man would be betrayed by human hand. It seems he might have saved his breath: they could not bear his talk of death; they would not ask or understand. Instead they argued on the way, competing toContinue reading “Last of All and Servant of All”
Lose and Find
Lose and Find (Song Lyrics to the Welsh tune Ar hyd y nos: All through the night) Pentecost 16, Proverbs 1:20-33, Mark 8:27-38) 1. Lose the life that makes you smaller, scrambling for gain. Find the life that stretches taller, learning from pain. Take your cross and pray to bear it: God will find aContinue reading “Lose and Find”
From Anxiety to Wisdom
From Anxiety to Wisdom Pentecost 16, Proverbs 1:20-33; Mark 8:27-38 I have heard them describing this time as an Age of Anxiety. It would take a conversion of soul to become Wisdom’s Century. There are plenty alive who display technological mastery. Do you know of some sages revered for insightful integrity? Yet the manifest perilsContinue reading “From Anxiety to Wisdom”
Barb, poet priest 