Not an unusual name,though a powerful one.Many Joshuas down the street no doubthoped for some of their hero’s kudos:if not the power to bring down Jericho, then at leastthe nod of approval as if they could if they tried.Yet this one would be different. Nofamily lineage dictating the name,but beating wings and the memoryof aContinue reading “Christmas 8: The Name”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Christmas 6: How we grow
And Mary treasured in her heartthe mystery, the sheerbeyondness of what she held and did not hold.He already moved from her grasp,wiser than her and Joseph combined,outsmarting his teachers,taking himself off for theological talks,when she had hardly finished feeding him.Only time stood between her and total loss, onlyyears before a sword would pierceher own soulContinue reading “Christmas 6: How we grow”
Christmas 4: Holy Innocents
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:17-18) Rachel weeps; the Spirit keeps vigil with the ones who mourn. One child lives, though many die; thatContinue reading “Christmas 4: Holy Innocents”
Christmas 3: Follow Me (For the Feast of St John the Evangelist)
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” (John 21:20-21) Some followed to theContinue reading “Christmas 3: Follow Me (For the Feast of St John the Evangelist)”
Christmas 2: Boxing Day
This is how the child leads: A shepherd charged with feeding the grieved takes every stone hate hurls at him; a king and his page trudge through charity’s snow; boxes are filled with surplus things; the lion lies down with the lamb. We who eat from Plenty’s horn, flush with leftovers, paper scraps, beneath theContinue reading “Christmas 2: Boxing Day”
Christmas 1: “A little child shall lead them…”
There were perhaps others on the look-out for kings that day, scouring the glossy mags, checking out the trendy spots, tracking every star on the rise. It was easy enough with the census on and everyone back to their homes, easy to know who would be where (and no-one who was anyone would ever beContinue reading “Christmas 1: “A little child shall lead them…””
Advent 4: The Fruit
Climb the rugged beam to see the scurry of life around the tree: lion and baby, adder and lamb, sheltered in this outstretched hand. Thick with promise, the leaves gather birds and the birds whisper secrets in long-forgotten words. Turn your ear from self to sky to hear the heavens in reply: There’s hope forContinue reading “Advent 4: The Fruit”
Advent 3: The Branch
Kingdoms fall from might; panelled houses cannot keep out the flood. The humblest stump brings forth the branch and a little child leads the animals’ dance. As the baby rests its head in the nest, the greenest hope turns to solid twig, and then as firm and fixed branch. Reach out: these arms reach outContinue reading “Advent 3: The Branch”
Damascus 2: Pentecost
I missed the flames that day, was at my books, learning the whys and wherefores of Law, determined that every subscript iota would not be neglected when I stood before God. The Spirit blows wherever it wills. Mine was the letter, not the wind. When, years later, I clutched letters in hand, I held everyContinue reading “Damascus 2: Pentecost”
Damascus 1
Something ends here: paused mid-threat, flung groundward, the man called Saul can breathe no more murder while the horse kicks up its hooves and he points his arms half-desperate at heaven. Something begins here yet it looks altogether like dying: the fall, the pervasive dark, the eyes failing to see, and yet the spirit cognisantContinue reading “Damascus 1”
The Consolations of Writing 