Author Archives: livedgospel2013

Awake

I stand

Transfixed

In the chill

Early morning darkness

By this lunar vision

Majestically ethereal

In the present

Yet evocative

Of all the yesterdays

Over which it has shone

Sister Moon

Another witness

Of God’s grace

In each moment.

Awake yet?

Easter 2019

Humans can relate to suffering. Humans endure a great deal – the loss of family or friends; being bullied or disrespected; abuse of whatever kind; the seemingly endless labyrinths of addiction or mental health issues. Thus, Good Friday services strike a deep chord. But how are we freed from this suffering?

God’s answer, indeed the only answer that makes sense, is love. Love does not make problems magically disappear but is the most powerful force for transformation. Love builds community. Love shares the burden. Love cures hurts and helps make us whole. Love helps to shine a light in the darkness. As Martin Luther King Jr said: ‘Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that’.
As we celebrate Easter, may we also celebrate the ways that love binds us together, frees us from difficulties and transforms our lives – remembering that God is love.

God is at work here

This group has gathered

to follow in the footsteps

of Francis and Clare.

It has been a wonder

to observe that

God is at work here

in each of us.

Whether friendly

Or gentle and caring

Fun-loving

Decisive

A listener

Thoughtful

Straight forward

Articulate

Inclusive

Passionate

Wise

Having a quiet depth

Practical

Or someone who sees the big picture.

Our leaders

and facilitators

have embodied

all that.

Saying ‘thanks’

doesn’t seem like enough

Yet, thank you Nancy,

Russel and Sam

Wishing you peace and all good

Always

For Robert

Bright light

Who brought laughter

And joy and love

Flamed out

Too soon

Few knew

The extent

Of the darkness

With which you wrestled

For so long

 

As I travel

Through the land of beauty

In which you grew

I struggle to believe

Your passing

 

May you now feel and know

The love

From your partner

And family

And friends.

May you be bathed

In laughter

And joy

And colour

And peace

Now

Elemental

Waves surge and crash

Their elemental force

throbbing

 

Thick mist broods

over leaden waters

until a crack of blue sky

and the sun sneaks through

 

Magnificent rocky cliffs

jut out of the water

now blue

from the sun and sky

 

And out to sea

still broods

the massive bank of fog

whose tendrils occasionally

lick the shore

imag1754_1

Christmas 2018

Christmas gathers up so many memories and so many feelings – and not all of them are happy. It can be an acutely painful time for some as the pain of absence stands in stark contrast to the joy of others. Christmas is the celebration of God-with-us, incarnate love. And as much as love swells our hearts, love can also wound – ask any parent. We put so much on one day – impossibly high expectations – but love should be for every day. If 25 December doesn’t go to plan, there are 364 other days to express our love in tangible ways. Expressions of love to our nearest and dearest but also expressions of Love whether in prayer, delight in God’s creation or care for those in need. And be open to how Love can teach you – every day.

 
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Patrick
PS This is the last of my reflections in this form for the moment. When my plans come to fruition, I’ll let you know!

Educating for the Lived Gospel #304

But with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth (Is 11:4).
 
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. How should we prepare for God-with-us? The passage is clear – by ensuring that we follow God’s example and care for those in need. This stands in stark contrast with how they would normally be treated – the poor would get rough judgment and the meek of the earth would be stomped on. This sad truth continues today.
 
For young and old alike, preparing for Christmas can involve buying gifts for our loved ones. There is absolutely a place for acknowledging and celebrating our family and friends at Christmas – they are God’s heart and hands in our lives. As adults, it is our role to challenge our young people to also care for those in need at Christmas, as well as provide opportunities for them to do so.
 
Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #303

Jesus said, ‘Whoever serves me must follow me’ (John 12:26)

There is a difference between saying that you’re a disciple of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus. Rather than just being full of high-sounding words, the true disciple lives their faith. They follow Jesus in their actions and their words. Following Jesus means following God’s word of compassion and inclusion for those on the outer. Including those on the outer isn’t ‘doing them a favour’. Rather it is living our faith in the body of Christ – that everyone has something to offer and we are all the poorer without it. Following Jesus also means speaking the truth to power – an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous place to be.

Have a great week!

Patrick