“A New Commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you.”Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ You’ve got to be kidding. Surely this is demanding the impossible. Surely this “wisdom” only serves to feed weak manipulative relationships and reinforce the kind of violence that is built on a toxic cycleContinue reading “The New Commandment. Are You serious?”
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
Sterling Army on The March Again
Come and Join Us!Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10th, 11 amNext to the entrance to Elizabeth Quay Train Station A Senate Inquiry finds that regulatory failure was the cause of the loss of over 100 homes and retirees’ life savings and that compensation is due. Both major political parties are either dismissive or guilty of concocting falseContinue reading “Sterling Army on The March Again”
A Story of Easter, Grieving and Shepherds
A small faith community in the western suburbs of Perth is grieving the loss of four significant members in as many months. Not only was their participation in the church’s witness and service strong, but they lived the church’s ethos of compassion and inclusion. In the wake of the latest funeral three days ago, weContinue reading “A Story of Easter, Grieving and Shepherds”
Induction
Today Jenny and I were inducted into pastoring the same church into which we were similarly inducted 26 years ago! A bit different this time. In 1996 we were returning to a state from which we had been absent for 17 years. We knew the church only by reputation and were anticipating a good fit.Continue reading “Induction”
Humphhh!
Just noticed this month’s top rating post was Haikus at and End No-one likes Haikus?Annoying when pressed each day?Oh well, c’est la vie! (Additional note: If you’re concerned I’m sulking or spitting the dummy – relax. I find irony deliciously amusing. All is well and you will not be spared future haikus!)
Restoring a damaged relationship
An intense, yet tender exchange takes place between two estranged friends in next Sunday’s gospel.One has gone in search of the other, who, guilt and grief-ridden, and not knowing what to do, has returned to his former work. The searching one draws him forth to a fire he has set on the beach and overContinue reading “Restoring a damaged relationship”
Slipping Back into Harness
When I used this phrase to describe my imminent return from retirement to some part-time work, my peer mentors challenged me. “What do you mean by back into harness?” I let my muse respond… What is a harness?A shackle that constricts and restrains?Straps of bondage as heavy as chains?Stifling freedom, restricting one’s way,Muffling one’s abilityContinue reading “Slipping Back into Harness”
Phantoms of the Night
Writing poetry in the middle of the night because reflux is keeping you awake has its nuances, especially when you are on retreat with several mutual mentors who are also therapists! Here’s the poem:Phantoms of the nightGather around my bedWhispering anxieties and “what ifs”They scoff at my commands of dismissalSo perhaps I should befriend them“NoContinue reading “Phantoms of the Night”
Haikus at an end
Sadly or gladly, the season of my foray of daily lectionary haikus has come to its end for now. Don’t ask me why, it just seems they have served their purpose. Perhaps the point of engaging with a daily devotion in this way had become something like the tail wagging the dog. Instead of allowingContinue reading “Haikus at an end”
Lectionary Haiku 21 April 2022
How often is striving against the odds a context for reaching for resources beyond ourselves? Today’s texts, following the Psalm, portray some contexts. Psalm 150 Last Psalm in the bookFull of praise and thanksgivingSing it out loudly! ************************ 1 Samuel 17:1-23 Shaping up for warBig giant ‘gainst scrawny kidWhat could go badly? ************************ Acts 5:12-16Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 21 April 2022”
Wondering Pilgrim 