prejudice – Barb, poet priest

A Searching Question

A Searching QuestionPentecost 13; Matthew 16:13-20I hoped to change opinionswhen I have said and writtensome fervent words and sermonsin answer to his question:“But who do you say I am?”What people say about himso often seems distorted,and other people sufferthrough prejudice and judgement.Such harm is not from Jesus.His misused name made victims:lost cultures, language, children;crusades, witchContinue reading “A Searching Question”

A Tale to Open Ears

A Tale to Open Ears (written during NAIDOC week which celebrates indigenous history, culture and achievement)Pentecost 5; Luke 10:25-37We may not share their long historic spite;now “good” Samaritan’s a common term,but Jesus’ listeners thought the opposite.Religious difference spurred each side’s disdain.“Samaritans praise God on mountain top,the Jews in temple at Jerusalem,”said woman of Samaria atContinue reading “A Tale to Open Ears”

Dreaming a New Creation

Dreaming a New CreationEaster 5; Acts 11:1-18In Peter’s dream, the creatures deemed uncleanin sacred scrolls were called food fit to eat.Three times he heard the Spirit’s voice repeat:“Don’t call profane what God has now made clean!”Then Peter, urged by vision’s metaphor,agreed to travel to a Gentile home,invited by an officer from Rome –a breach ofContinue reading “Dreaming a New Creation”

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”