Come, Holy Spirit, BreatheDay of Pentecost; Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21, John 15:26,27, 16:4b-15Come, Holy Spirit, breathe, put flesh and life on bones:on desiccated liturgies and rigid ribs of pews.We’ve lost the gift of tongues, the surge of fire and wind,the burning in the heart that leaps to recognize good news.Like wind that summons change, stirContinue reading “Come, Holy Spirit, Breathe”
Category Archives: Pentecost
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 consequencesContinue reading “Entrusted to Make the Best of What We’re Given”
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 theyContinue reading “Wise or Foolish”
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 fearContinue reading “Love and the Referendum”
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 JesusContinue reading “A Frank Exchange of Views”
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 findContinue reading “Invited to Attend”
Make Wise the Simple
Make Wise the Simple Pentecost 19; Psalm 19, Matthew 21:33-46 The heavens and the earth proclaim God’s glory throughout time and space. Can we let silence tune our ear enough that we might dimly hear the cosmos praise God’s work and name in awe and wonder at God’s grace? The word of God revives theContinue reading “Make Wise the Simple”
In Reverse
In Reverse Pentecost 17; Matthew 20:1-16 Common practice then and now favours what is called success: being chosen, coming first; working harder, earning more; making sure we get what’s fair; sussing out what favours us. God, it seems, works in reverse, favours those our ways neglect: last is first and first is last; what isContinue reading “In Reverse”
2 Poems
Prayer for Liberation Pentecost 16; Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114 O God who leads slaves to freedom and sweeps away pursuing forces liberate those forced to labour to their detriment for the profit of others and those held down by discrimination. Clog the wheels of abusive power and greedy money. Liberating God lead to freedom thoseContinue reading “2 Poems”
A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme
A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme Pentecost 15; Matthew 18:10-20 (John 10:7-16) If he’s a good shepherd, am I a good sheep? I like to feel safe when it’s time to sleep. He’s shepherd and gate, for he gives us the choice: “Come in or go out, but still hear my voice.” One time at high noonContinue reading “A Sheepish Nursery Rhyme”
Barb, poet priest 