Five Minute Friday: Relief The Pulley By George Herbert When God at first made man, Having a glass of blessings standing by, “Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can. Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie, Contract into a span.” So strength first made a way; Then beauty flowed, then … Continue reading What a relief
Five minute Friday: Sacrifice “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15 The word sacrifice makes us think of endurance and pain. … Continue reading Sacrifice
Incarnation These things I will remember, will fold them up small and tuck them away to ponder. The slow breath of animals, the silent, patient eyes. Their wordless acceptance of this entrance through blood and pain and the tearing of flesh. Removed from judgment, from the sharp stabs of gossiping tongues, they watch, … Continue reading Advent, Week 4 (Love): Mary
They call him a righteous man, a holy man. They look to him for leadership, for answers. He is supposed to know things. But knowing a thing is easier than believing it. You can check all the boxes and speak all the words, you can even lead a people to worship, while your own mind … Continue reading Advent, Week Three (Joy): Zecharias
Barren like a plowed field lying fruitless, a land too poor to produce sustenance, absent of any thing significant. Like a withered stalk, an empty hold, a shard, like the well run dry. Devoid of meaning or value, unable to be beautiful. This is how they adorn her. They, the womb-blessed, see … Continue reading Advent, Week Three (Joy): Elizabeth
Sometimes, being an outcast has its advantages. When you are cast out, you are alone. You might be lonely, yes, and you might be hurt by their rejection, or bitter, or even despairing. But also, you are quiet. You have time to think, and to look, and to wonder. And sometimes other outcasts join you, … Continue reading Advent, Week Two (Peace): Shepherd
I am a king-maker. A wisdom-wielder. A keeper of dark mystery. For hundreds of years we have shaped the world. One might even say we have controlled it. Men seek us out. They rely on our wisdom for guidance, as they have for generations. I understand ambition. I know well the pull for prominence, the … Continue reading Advent, Week Two (Peace): Magi
Yes, there was the first agony of thinking she had been unfaithful. His Mary, beloved, longed-for, waited-for. She had not waited for him? Could she really have done this thing? His desire to shield her from public shame speaks of his love for her and his integrity. Yes, Joseph was a good man. And what … Continue reading Advent, Week Two (Peace): Joseph
I cherish most the silence. When the temple has cleared of worshippers and all have gone home to their lives and their work, the silence descends and I can hear You breathing. This is my life. This is my work. Sometimes I want to shake them, to put my face in front of theirs and … Continue reading Advent, Week One (Hope): Anna
Once there was a people who walked in darkness. They had known God once, but God had been silent for a long time. The golden age they lived in had not brought them joy. They were ruled by a wealthy, progressive, but corrupt government. Their own leaders used religion to wield power, to build up … Continue reading Advent, Week One (Hope): Light
