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”
Category Archives: Pentecost
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)”
Comparing Zacchaeus and Me
Comparing Zacchaeus and Me Pentecost 21; Luke 19:1-10 I, too, am a small person. I have done my share of collaboration with the invading powers, but I avoid crowds, can’t climb trees, don’t as a rule pursue any visiting guru. So how did I meet Jesus? Seems he was always there, though often I wasn’t.Continue reading “Comparing Zacchaeus and Me”
Let the Little Children Come to Me
Let the Little Children Come to Me Pentecost 20; Luke 18:15-30 The child in me is eager for your touch. When I am digging earth, admiring flowers, composing poems, lifting lips to showers, or cuddling cats, it’s you as well I clutch. The stern disciples order me away: those inner voices urging me to workContinue reading “Let the Little Children Come to Me”
Faith on Earth
Faith on Earth Pentecost 19; Luke 18:1-14 “And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” If the faithful grow weary in prayer while the powers continue unjust, will he find faith on earth? If we cry out in private for change, but in public hide out in the crowd,Continue reading “Faith on Earth”
