A small faith community in the western suburbs of Perth is grieving the loss of four significant members in as many months. Not only was their participation in the church’s witness and service strong, but they lived the church’s ethos of compassion and inclusion. In the wake of the latest funeral three days ago, weContinue reading “A Story of Easter, Grieving and Shepherds”
Tag Archives: lectionary
Restoring a damaged relationship
An intense, yet tender exchange takes place between two estranged friends in next Sunday’s gospel.One has gone in search of the other, who, guilt and grief-ridden, and not knowing what to do, has returned to his former work. The searching one draws him forth to a fire he has set on the beach and overContinue reading “Restoring a damaged relationship”
Lectionary Haiku 21 April 2022
How often is striving against the odds a context for reaching for resources beyond ourselves? Today’s texts, following the Psalm, portray some contexts. Psalm 150 Last Psalm in the bookFull of praise and thanksgivingSing it out loudly! ************************ 1 Samuel 17:1-23 Shaping up for warBig giant ‘gainst scrawny kidWhat could go badly? ************************ Acts 5:12-16Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 21 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 20 April 2022
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 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Steadfast love enduresSummoning deep devotionof eternal worth. ************************* 2 Samuel 6:1-15 Ark of the PresenceFull of danger and promiseJoyful king dances ************************* Luke 24:1-12 Tomb of theContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 20 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 19 April 2022
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 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Now is the momentEach day divinely decreedRejoice! BeContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 19 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 18 April 2022
Implications of Christ’s resurrection swap old ways for new, as seen in today’s contrasting texts, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Rejected by buildersAnd now the chief cornerstoneHow the tide has turned! ***************************** Joshua 10:16-27 Ancient tribe warfareYields neither ground nor quarterEven under God. ***************************** 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Hubris does no goodThe old malice is best dumpedChrist isContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 18 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 17 April 2022
Resurrection of the Lord Isaiah 65:17-25 All as meant to beA dream of Shalom realisedNot wishful thinking ************************* Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 At the empty tombLet’s sing out “His steadfast loveEndures forever!” ************************* 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 All die in AdamBehold this new thing todayAll alive in Christ! ************************* John 20:1-18 Mysteries aboundResurrection hard to bearBut, now,Continue reading “Lectionary Haiku 17 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 16 April 2022
Holy Saturday In-between time … how do we reflect on the liminal space that separates the despair of Good Friday and the surprise of Easter Sunday. Job 14:1-14 Our mortal question:Can those who die live againThough the world goes on? ************************* Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 In life and in deathRock of Ages has a cleftthat keepsContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 16 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 15 April 2022
Good Friday Why is it called Good Friday? Humanity’s primaeval need for a scapegoat is satisfied and transformed by what happens on this day. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Girard had it rightFind willing servant victimand make all things well ***************************** Psalm 22 Begins forsakenYet fully rehearsed and saidEnds with deliv’rance ***************************** Hebrews 10:16-25 Law inscribed on heartsforContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 15 April 2022”
Lectionary Haiku 14 April 2022
Maundy Thursday 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. Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 Dressed ready to fleeSlain lambs prepared forContinue reading “Lectionary Haiku 14 April 2022”
Wondering Pilgrim 