the ramblings of a perambulent and often distracted sojourner
Ancient Hebrew texts reveal both the terror and joy of being known as God’s people – a possibility that is transformed through the Easter story
Steadfast love endures
Summoning deep devotion
of eternal worth.
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Ark of the Presence
Full of danger and promise
Joyful king dances
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Tomb of the Presence
Empty, yet full of wonder
Lives turned upside down
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If one is in any doubt over gender equity in the sacred texts, let today’s passages put your mind at ease. The tumultuous age of the Judges sees strong initiative by female wile. The feminine principle is equally powerful in the visions of Revelation
Now is the moment
Each day divinely decreed
Rejoice! Be happy!
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What a headache
Clever warrior outsmarted
By womanly guile
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Cosmic drama of
Woman, child, and wild dragon
All will end quite well
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Implications of Christ’s resurrection swap old ways for new, as seen in today’s contrasting texts,
Rejected by builders
And now the chief cornerstone
How the tide has turned!
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Ancient tribe warfare
Yields neither ground nor quarter
Even under God.
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Hubris does no good
The old malice is best dumped
Christ is the new way.
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All as meant to be
A dream of Shalom realised
Not wishful thinking
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At the empty tomb
Let’s sing out “His steadfast love
Endures forever!”
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All die in Adam
Behold this new thing today
All alive in Christ!
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Mysteries abound
Resurrection hard to bear
But, now, there it is!
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In-between time … how do we reflect on the liminal space that separates the despair of Good Friday and the surprise of Easter Sunday.
Our mortal question:
Can those who die live again
Though the world goes on?
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In life and in death
Rock of Ages has a cleft
that keeps my questions
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Even in these times
Model yourselves on Christ’s love
Such covers all things
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Even entombed away
The crucified one disturbs –
Double the grave’s seal!
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Why is it called Good Friday? Humanity’s primaeval need for a scapegoat is satisfied and transformed by what happens on this day.
Girard had it right
Find willing servant victim
and make all things well
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Begins forsaken
Yet fully rehearsed and said
Ends with deliv’rance
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Law inscribed on hearts
for a new and living way
Through a torn curtain
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Stay long if you dare
with crucifixion drama
Through it find your life.
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The evolution of Passover from the rescue of a captive people to an inner release and unification that is of inner and cosmic significance marks this day. It culminates in the transcendence of the power of servanthood over the power of domination.
Dressed ready to flee
Slain lambs prepared for daubing
Doorposts to freedom
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All praise to the Lord
who loosed my prisoner’s chains
I serve Him gladly
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It’s through bread and wine
That we tell the wondrous deed
Death releasing Life
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A basin and towel
tell the story of greatness
modelled on God’s love
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The contradiction of finding the fullness of life in the midst of suffering – an ever-present and universal challenge – is present in today’s texts
Teachable moments
I give forth yet am struck down
It’s the way onward
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Lord, deliver us
For you, we are sore oppressed
Quick – no more delays!
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The great stadium
In which we run for the prize
Heroes cheer us on.
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Most intimate meal
Bread broken in great sorrow
Betrayer departs
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The tension builds
Destiny draws near
Planted deep within the womb
Birthing hope and light
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In desperation
We look to You for rescue
Make haste to help us
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Folly of the cross
Your foolishness is wiser
Than our deep wisdom
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Enquiring Greeks here –
The beginning will soon end
And completion come
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We are in Holy Week with extra readings. All focus on the Passion of the Christ in the days leading to his crucifixion.
Spirit upon him
for justice to all nations
Subtle strength displayed
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Abundance abounds
How precious your steadfast love
Adequate for all
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Christ’s new sacrifice
The gift that keeps on giving
The New Covenant
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Storm clouds gather
Over the perfume of love
And outraged sorrow
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Wondering Pilgrim 