(Detail from “Moses” by Rembrandt van Rijn) What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments? You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below – you shallContinue reading “Catechism 8”
Author Archives: Matthew Pullar
Schoolyard Grace (After Les Murray’s “Equanimity”)
It is with slight trepidation that I tackle Les Murray’s masterful poem “Equanimity”. For one thing, it is my girlfriend’s favourite Murray poem, so I would hate to destroy it for her. It is also a very complex poem, with a challenging style to imitate. But the central idea – the beauties of common graceContinue reading “Schoolyard Grace (After Les Murray’s “Equanimity”)”
First Things Last (After “Incorrigible Grace”)
For my next response to Les Murray’s poetry, I’ve chosen a deceptively simple four-line poem as my starting point. I suspect Murray’s poem speaks for itself. I hope that mine does too. First Things Last (After “Incorrigible Grace”) Saint Vincent de Paul, old friend, my sometime tailor, I daresay by now you are feeding theContinue reading “First Things Last (After “Incorrigible Grace”)”
Catechism 7
What does the law of God require? Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbour as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done. (New City Catechism) And what does He require of you,Continue reading “Catechism 7”
Colour and Quiet
The ferris wheel was lit tonight and in the Melbourne sky it sparkled bright like cellophane; the stars hid in reply. The moon no longer blazed, fire-red, for rain had quenched the ground, and stillness sat with dancing light in quaint, harmonious sound. Why night mustContinue reading “Colour and Quiet”
You Shall Love – A Valentine’s Day Anthology
Well, tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Whoever St Valentine was or was not, his feast day has come to be associated with romantic nights out and Hallmark cards. It isn’t the best expression of love that we have, but it’s still a day when our culture focuses quite publicly on a very specific kind of love,Continue reading “You Shall Love – A Valentine’s Day Anthology”
Passacaglia in G Minor (After Les Murray’s “An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow”)
For those who have not encountered Les Murray’s poetry before, his work always strikes me with the way in which it blends profundity with earthiness. One of his most beautiful poems for me is his “An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow”, a description of a man crying in the middle of Sydney’s city centre, his tears somehowContinue reading “Passacaglia in G Minor (After Les Murray’s “An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow”)”
Catechism 6
How can we glorify God? We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and by obeying his will, commands, and law. (New City Catechism) To think: God Almighty, walking in the Garden, in the cool of day, God Almighty stepping on our soil, walking in our dust, His hand, His palm, outstretched toContinue reading “Catechism 6”
Catechism 5
What else did God create? God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule. (New City Catechism) Whether plant, knowing just where to look for sun, where to turn for air, sea-creatures teeming in the ocean’s whirl, birds neither sewing nor harvesting yetContinue reading “Catechism 5”
Remembering and Introducing…
With January now gone and February just begun, it’s time to farewell Peter Steele and introduce our new poet for the month. Shortly after Father Steele’s death in 2012 I wrote an essay in memory of him, and, although I have read much more of his poetry since then and have come to appreciate itContinue reading “Remembering and Introducing…”
The Consolations of Writing 