Jesus said: Tubwayhun l’mskikhr d’hinnon nertun arha. Wake up, you who have softened what is rigid within; you shall be open to receive the splendor of the earth’s fruits. (KJV version: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.) This one, in traditional expression, has been one of the most misunderstood of the Beatitudes.Continue reading “The might of the meek…”
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
There’s muscle in what we yearn for…
Jesus said: Tubwayhun lawile d’hinnon netbayun. Wake up you who weep for your frustrated desire; you shall see the face of fulfillment in a new form. (KJV version: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted..) Again, it is plain to see how a translation from Aramaic (through the Syrian tradition) favours aContinue reading “There’s muscle in what we yearn for…”
Wake up to spirit and cosmos!
Jesus said: Tubwayhun l’meskenaee b’rukh d’dilhounhie malkutha d’ashmaya. “Wake up, you who devote yourselves to the link of Spirit; the design of the universe is rendered through you.” Let it be said from the outset that I am no Aramaic scholar. I’ve dabbled in Hebrew and have a passing working knowledge (with aid of lexiconContinue reading “Wake up to spirit and cosmos!”
Wakeup calls in an ancient tongue
“Makarios” is the koine Greek word often translated as “blessed” in the famous Beatitudes from the Sermon of the Mount, a collection of the core message of Jesus. It is unfortunate that a passive, almost listless unpacking of the mysterious word “blessed” renders the equally inactive meanings of “happy” or “fortunate” – hence “happy areContinue reading “Wakeup calls in an ancient tongue”
Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street
Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street. I’ve not read Alain de Botton’s Religion for Atheists, but I find this review fascinating, as I have observed this “pull” for meaningful ritual amongst many of my “post faith” friends. Some are able to articulate along the lines suggested in the review – that community, ritesContinue reading “Alain de Botton’s pastoral atheism – Eureka Street”
Markathon!
“Let’s do a public community reading of Mark’s gospel!” “Oh yeah!” I thought. “Who’s going to come?” So 40 people aged from 7 to 90 gathered on a hot Sunday evening for our first public community reading of Mark’s gospel. It took 90 minutes, three narrators, and about 12 voices to read various characters. (ForContinue reading “Markathon!”
Caption this…
Parked outside our place… suggest a caption or write a short creative story!
Angel wrestling – which hold is best?
How to wrestle an angel – Eureka Street. I love both these poems – especially the second one. In my humble opinion, theology is better expressed through poetry than propositional debate. It takes us to that place in human experience that is beyond, but not dismissive of rational thought. We should read more poetry. MaybeContinue reading “Angel wrestling – which hold is best?”
An Open Letter to the People of Australia
Sometimes, when one is greeted by a plethora of email messages in the morning, a particular message stands out and one feels that a kairos moment has just brushed by. This morning was such an occasion and I share it with you: Good morning, Please find attached a joint statement to the people of AustraliaContinue reading “An Open Letter to the People of Australia”
If Dickens were alive today – Eureka Street
I know there are still Charles Dickens fans out there. The blogosphere, Facebook and Twitter have been quietly partying on the 200th anniversary of his birth. The local newspaper contemporised some of his more memorable characters – Miss Haversham, Fagin, the Artful Dodger. And now this thoughtful reflection that ponders a space/time transplant of thisContinue reading “If Dickens were alive today – Eureka Street”
Wondering Pilgrim 