What a strong, evocative, celebratory song is Mary’s Magnificat! And it is highly political, even seditious. If an agent of either Caesar or Herod the Great had been eavesdropping on Mary as she visited her cousin Elizabeth, neither of these women would have survived to tell the story. Mary’s song, however, has become a trans-seasonalContinue reading “Advent Voices – the subversive Magnificat”
Tag Archives: Advent
Advent Voices – “Do not despise the words of prophets…”
The words of prophets nudge – sometimes even shove – us from our comfort zones. When the Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, advises us to take it on the chin, he also gives us an out: “Test everything, hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” That is, listen toContinue reading “Advent Voices – “Do not despise the words of prophets…””
Advent Voices – the Pointers
There have always been those who point the way – often only to the next marker, for even they cannot see beyond the fog. John’s gospel (ch 1:6-8, 19-28) introduces us to one who points to the source of life and light. Such pointing often leads to confrontation with those who are committed to pointing only toContinue reading “Advent Voices – the Pointers”
Advent Voices – Human Rights Day
This day’s reminder to respect and uphold universal human rights is more than the left of centre pre-occupation – it is fundamental to maintaining and enhancing our integrity as people. The beatific vision of Isaiah 65:17-25 that rhapsodises new heavens and a new earth, while initiated by YHWH, can be imagined to be addressedContinue reading “Advent Voices – Human Rights Day”
Advent Voices – plain speaking
“For I, YHWH, love justice…” So continues the rest of the oracle in Isaiah 61:8-11. Isaiah’s euphoric response to God’s affirmation assumes a community that is equally responsive, having embraced an equal love for justice tempered with loving-kindness and mercy. It is infused with the life-giving Spirit that binds all together. This reality goes far beyond personalContinue reading “Advent Voices – plain speaking”
Advent Voices: a manifesto against our latest law
Isaiah 61:1-7 is repeated in Luke 4 by Jesus when he announces the blueprint of his operations. It is the antithesis of the Immigration Bill allowed by the Australian Senate last Thursday night. It is a strong Advent voice that calls the Australian people to account. It comes not as warning, but as proclamation of theContinue reading “Advent Voices: a manifesto against our latest law”
Advent Voices – Peter
In a world that is growing increasingly dystopian, the realisation of the realm of shalom ushered in by Jesus seems to be getting further and further away, or perhaps being driven further underground. “Patience!” counsels Peter to his persecuted community: “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years areContinue reading “Advent Voices – Peter”
Advent Voices – John’s cousin
John could not go around saying the things he was saying without attracting the attention of the authorities and he ends up in Herod’s dungeon. By now the one to whom he had been pointing, his cousin, Jesus of Nazareth, is traveling the land, teaching and healing in the manner that John had predicted. EvenContinue reading “Advent Voices – John’s cousin”
Advent Voices – John the Baptizer
Zechariah’s son certainly made up for his father’s speechlessness before John’s birth! John’s call is to repentance – an intentional reorientation of heart, soul, mind and action. Zechariah’s silence had been the stillness before the storm that sweeps clean. Such was John’s magnetic appeal that crowds went out into the wilderness to hear him. HisContinue reading “Advent Voices – John the Baptizer”
Advent Voices – Mute Zechariah
Can the voiceless speak? Zechariah was struck mute when he questioned the veracity of an acutely personal Advent vision while he was performing his set priestly duties in the temple. Luke 1:5-17. (Never say serving on a church roster is boring and humdrum!) Apparently so. We read on and find that when he emerged from theContinue reading “Advent Voices – Mute Zechariah”
Wondering Pilgrim 