wonderingpilgrim

What’s the use of suffering?

An old criticism of the Christian way is a perceived emphasis on suffering. Gaunt pictures of self-flagellating, hair-shirted, monks and nuns in cold, dank cells lend credence to the view that the Christian faith appeals to the masochistic spirit that seeks ecstasy in pain and self-degradation. While anyone can employ a religious motif to theirContinue reading “What’s the use of suffering?”

March in March & Moses

While we are travelling with Moses it would be interesting to draw some comparisons between this two-man (himself and Aaron) movement and the March in March of the last weekend that saw thousands of the disaffected gather nationwide in protest against Government policies that have been swift and draconian in their implementation. Both were bidsContinue reading “March in March & Moses”

A strange parley

The conversation between an ageing shepherd and the voice of the Holy One manifested in a burning yet unconsumed bush in the desert is not what one might expect. Moses emerges as our next Lenten guide… and he does not hang back when called to account by the same urge that pulled his ancestor AbrahamContinue reading “A strange parley”

Falling behind in Lent…

This is a catch up post for three missing days of Lenten reflections. No-one said this would be easy. The gentleman to the left typifies the kind of journey we are contemplating. He can be seen as part of Sculptures by the Sea at Cottesloe. So we quickly pass by the Apostle Paul and hisContinue reading “Falling behind in Lent…”

That Born Again Meme

Today’s Lenten text (and Sunday’s Gospel for those churches on the Revised Common Lectionary) is John 3:1-17 What does being born again really mean? Maybe Nicodemus knew all along – maybe he was just playing dumb. Jesus says “You’re a teacher of Israel, and you don’t know what I’m talking about?” Some commentators note theContinue reading “That Born Again Meme”

Missing woman unwittingly joins search party looking for herself

Sometimes newsfeed headlines grab your attention. This one just did. Apparently a tourist left her group to change clothes while in the midst of a stop. She was deemed missing and joined the search looking for herself, quite unaware she was the subject, even after hearing the description of herself. No-one from her party recognisedContinue reading “Missing woman unwittingly joins search party looking for herself”

The messiness of faith and sibling rivalry

Lenten reflections take us a little further into Abram’s epic but troubled journey. Genesis 12:4b-20 – the patriarch eventually finds himself in Egypt and, for cargo and self-preservation, makes his presumably comely wife (Sarai) available to the Pharaoh. Hardly a salubrious beginning for the father of the world’s three major monotheistic faiths! Stories of faith areContinue reading “The messiness of faith and sibling rivalry”

Father Abraham: today’s Lenten host and guide

We first meet him in Genesis 12:1-4a, under his old handle, Abram. Already a senior citizen of Ur, he sets out for places unknown at the age of 75. Today, we would probably report him as a missing person, fearing that he had gone wandering off in a haze of dementia. Abram’s journey, however, is the common touchContinue reading “Father Abraham: today’s Lenten host and guide”

Psychology of Forgiveness: Psalm 32

“We don’t do Lent it’s not in our tradition!” “Why dwell on what is negative in your life – better to shrug off the shadows and enjoy!” The humanitarian sciences have over time produced, for discussion and peer review, the psychological benefits of the hitherto sacred realm of penitence, forgiveness and absolution. One only hasContinue reading “Psychology of Forgiveness: Psalm 32”

When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…

It’s easier to give a hungry man a fish than to teach him to fish. It’s far simpler to superficially impress someone than to engage them by putting in some time and the hard yards. Politically, the quick fix is more successful for one’s grasp of power than the blood, sweat and tears of inspiringContinue reading “When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…”