What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments? Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us. (New City Catechism) The one beside you in the field, Continue reading “Catechism 12”
Tag Archives: God
Concerto No.4 (After Rowan Williams’ “Bach for the Cello”)
Bach’s ‘Cello Suites are for me the supreme example of contemplation in music. They don’t deal with the emotions very much, there is nothing spectacular but just a single line unfolding itself. And I always see it as a kind of silver line in the middle of darkness… Rowan Williams As a child, I adoredContinue reading “Concerto No.4 (After Rowan Williams’ “Bach for the Cello”)”
Catechism 11
What does God require in the sixth, seventh and eighth commandments? Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbour, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life,Continue reading “Catechism 11”
Length of Days: 40 Poems for Lent – Available on Kindle
I’m pleased to announce that you can now purchase my sequence of Lent poems, “Length of Days: 40 Poems for Lent”, from the Amazon Kindle store. The book is the result of one of my first major poetry writing projects back in 2012, when I set myself the task of writing a poem a dayContinue reading “Length of Days: 40 Poems for Lent – Available on Kindle”
An Absolutely Ordinary Poet
February now over, it is time to offer one final celebration of Les Murray’s poetry, before moving onto our next – and final – poet in the 12 Poets Project. Here is a short reflection on some of the qualities I value most in Murray’s work. I hope it is a fitting conclusion to ourContinue reading “An Absolutely Ordinary Poet”
“Fast from… Feast on…” – Streaming Page CXVI Day Four
When I was younger, comfortable in low-evangelical churches where Lent was not observed, the season and its observances always seemed a semi-Catholic imposition. Our school chaplain would wear purple and people gave up eating sugar. That was mostly all I knew about it. When I came slowly to understand its value, it came with theContinue reading ““Fast from… Feast on…” – Streaming Page CXVI Day Four”
“Before the throne of God above…” – Streaming Page CXVI Day 2
Well, as Lent approaches, so does the release of Page CXVI’s “Lent to Maundy Thursday”, and so it is with great excitement that I am posting the second track of the album, one of my favourite hymns: “Before the throne of God above”. When we could use this season before Easter as a time toContinue reading ““Before the throne of God above…” – Streaming Page CXVI Day 2″
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”)”
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”
The Consolations of Writing 