Encompass Us Pentecost 8; Psalm 139, Matthew 13: 24-43 Search me, O God, and know my heart, my words and path discern. Though I might try to hide apart, you find me when I turn. Confronting to be searched and known, but comforting as well. A knowing love transforms its own; unknown is lonely hell.Continue reading “Encompass Us”
Category Archives: Pentecost
On Behalf of Random Seed
On Behalf of Random Seed Pentecost 7; Matthew 13:1-9. 18-23 Did Jesus limit how one hears, although he spoke to those with ears? Perhaps his followers explained, and parables became constrained. I guess I must appreciate that Jesus would communicate with literal-minded sons of law as well as friends of metaphor. Although perhaps it seemsContinue reading “On Behalf of Random Seed”
In the Marketplace
In the Marketplace Matthew 11:15-19,25-30 In the marketplace we now have social distancing: we always had soul distancing. In the marketplace Jesus lamented unbridged distance of industrious self-absorption. In the marketplace music dribbles, no-one dances. Mourners crying find no sharing. In the marketplace John who is fasting seems obsessive, Jesus at table, over-indulgent. In theContinue reading “In the Marketplace”
Welcome and Welcoming
Welcome and welcoming Matthew 10:40-42 Best welcome gives us space and lets us be. “Whoever welcomes you so welcomes me,” said Jesus. From experience he knew that 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 say withContinue reading “Welcome and Welcoming”
More Value Than Many Sparrows?
More Value than Many Sparrows? Pentecost 4; Matthew 10:29-31 But why would God count humans of more value than one expiring two a penny sparrow? It’s we who price resources of our earth convinced that human profit has more worth than all the fragile beauties freely given and meant to draw us deeper into heavenContinue reading “More Value Than Many Sparrows?”
Why Did Sarah Laugh?
Why Did Sarah Laugh? Pentecost 3; Genesis 18:1-15 Why did Sarah laugh, listening in the tent, not out with the guests, though she’d made them cakes, quickly, as he said? “She will have a son!” Abraham was told, standing by the three, offering the food others had prepared. Menopause had passed – childless she remained;Continue reading “Why Did Sarah Laugh?”
Say “Follow Me!”
Say Follow Me Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:9-13 Say “Follow me!” It’s what some try to do, though few will leave position, power and wealth as Matthew did, inspired to follow you. Perhaps his soul was drawn to greater health. His healing meant he recognized your truth, reclaimed ideals he’d left upon a shelf, integrity abandonedContinue reading “Say “Follow Me!””
The Healing of Women
This poem was written in 2021 for Mark’s version of the story we have this Sunday in Matthew 9. I am repeating it partly to celebrate that the Anglican Diocese of the Murray where I live has finally decided to accept the ordination of women. The Healing of Women Pentecost 2; Matthew 9:18-26 (also PentecostContinue reading “The Healing of Women”
Variations on Pentecost
Variations on Pentecost Day of Pentecost; John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21 To some the Spirit comes as breath to breath that wakens us to risen life in Christ. We know him and rejoice, receive his peace. Assured that we are sent as he was sent, we venture forth, commissioned to forgive. Our Pentecost may be aContinue reading “Variations on Pentecost”
Song for New Creating (lyrics)
Song for New Creating (lyrics) Pentecost 23: Isaiah 65:17-25 “I am about to create new heavens and new earth: be glad and rejoice in that creating. The holy city is joy, its people a delight. Rejoice! You can share in this remaking. Let no distress nor the sound of weeping there be heard, for peopleContinue reading “Song for New Creating (lyrics)”
Barb, poet priest 