We are used to seeing Jesus’ utterances in the Sermon on the Mount, or in next Sunday’s Luke version, the Sermon on the Plain, as moral maxims to which to aspire. As day to day challenges catch us on the hop, we default to passive-aggressive pushback against those who cross us and we conclude thatContinue reading “Yield to the Energy of Epiphany!”
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
Doctors’ medivacs for offshore detainees. Blessing or curse?
For those who have lobbied long – a blessing on the long and steep slope as our country claws back some semblance of humanitarian treatment of those who come seeking help. For those who stand fast on border security and deterrence – a curse that weakens a tough stance that is mandated to sacrifice theContinue reading “Doctors’ medivacs for offshore detainees. Blessing or curse?”
Fishing Incident Attracts Light, Power, And A Summons
It can sneak up on you in an instant. The extraordinary, epiphanous moment can invade your most ordinary activities, your most mundane routines. You may be at the end of a day’s tiresome chores, just wrapping things up and going through the tedious checklist to make sure that things are put away “just right.” AllContinue reading “Fishing Incident Attracts Light, Power, And A Summons”
When revenge ain’t so sweet
Homeboy comes home and does good! He’s one of our own and has become something of a regional celebrity. His words tickle our ears and we are proud of the charisma that is winning him a wide following and putting us on the map. Good for trade! Good for tourism! Good for kudos – forContinue reading “When revenge ain’t so sweet”
Practising Epiphany
Next Sunday’s text takes us to Jesus’ inaugural address in his hometown synagogue. He tells it straight and the people don’t much like it. Such a short and simple address – less than two minutes! Most of it was quoting that oft-repeated passage from Isaiah. Many had heard it so often they could quote it byContinue reading “Practising Epiphany”
Third sign of Epiphany
On Saturday it was my privilege to officiate the marriage of two widowed friends of advanced years. It has been a whirlwind romance of deep mutual respect and much fun and laughter together, catching up friends and family alike. The ceremony and wedding feast celebrated years of life, wisdom and experience, forged on particular journeys,Continue reading “Third sign of Epiphany”
Reclaiming Epiphany
Down under, we are in that part of the year “when nothing happens.” Christmas/New Year is done and decorations are being boxed and put away. While a few are returning languidly to their daily labours and many are still enjoying the long vacation, many wait with bated breath for the contentious date of our officialContinue reading “Reclaiming Epiphany”
8
On this first day of 2019, meet today’s guest number! I learned today that it has some significance as the Eighth Day of Christmas. It is somewhat fitting as, in Christian numerological tradition, eight is associated with new beginnings. Eight people survived the Great Flood by riding the ark to safety; this became associated withContinue reading “8”
Prophet Mary
Mary’s Magnificat, the song sung on the meeting of two expectant mothers, Elizabeth pregnant with John and Mary with Jesus – stands as one of the most powerfully prophetic utterances recorded in Christian sacred text. Mary is this Sunday’s Advent messenger, bringing us to the threshold of the event that meets all the yearning expressedContinue reading “Prophet Mary”
A further chat with my Advent Messenger
Diarmuid O’Murchu invites me to pause and give attention to my feelings and responses to his orientation on what The Spirit of God may be inviting us to this Advent. I’m happy to do just that! I respond to his dot points in italics. Opting for holistic rather than reductionist analysis. I’ve always been a big pictureContinue reading “A further chat with my Advent Messenger”
Wondering Pilgrim 