grief – Barb, poet priest

The House was Filled with the Fragrance

The House was Filled with the FragranceLent 5; John 12:1-11Whether or not he robs the common purse,his carping words steal beauty from her choice,and try to rob her of her hard won placeat Jesus’ feet, although her act gives voiceto gratitude for brother’s life restoredand grief prophetic of their teacher’s death.The ones who come toContinue reading “The House was Filled with the Fragrance”

Thomas and Us

Thomas and UsEaster 2; John 20:19-31The label “doubting” dogged him down the years –it’s more than any saint should have to bear.Did “doubting” Thomas add that shame to tears,so grief and anger barred his need to share?The risen Christ has no respect for locks,nor will defensive doubt turn him away.He lets his wounds be seen,toContinue reading “Thomas and Us”

Thomas and Jesus

Thomas and Jesus Easter 2; John 20:19-31 “Then let us go that we may die with him.” Brave words of love were these that Thomas spoke. Could such commitment suddenly grow dim, or hope destroyed make love a bitter joke? Why was he absent when Christ first appeared? Had grief and anger kept him fromContinue reading “Thomas and Jesus”

Sharing John’s Grief and Doubt

. Sharing John’s Grief and Doubt Advent 3; Matthew 11:2-11 I grieve when I read of John imprisoned and in doubt. John as Baptist prepared the way for one more powerful than himself, one who would take an axe to the fruitless, thresh the grain and burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. Who is John,Continue reading “Sharing John’s Grief and Doubt”

Remembered Words

Remembered Words Easter 6; John 14:23-29 I wonder, if I saw the end in sight, what words of comfort, stretching like a rope across the threat of absence, would hold tight the truth that helps us walk the slippery slope? At that Last Supper, Jesus knew the plight that day would bring. He tried toContinue reading “Remembered Words”

Jesus Wept

Jesus Wept (Reflection on John 11:32-44, gospel for All Saints’ Day) See, Jesus wept. We know he shares our grief. Like Martha, Mary dared to speak her mind. “If you had been here” – anger finds relief, expressing thoughts so painful and unkind. “If you had been here, he would not have died.” Then JesusContinue reading “Jesus Wept”