Naming God

Genesis 16:5-16
Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my slave-girl to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” But Abram said to Sarai, “Your slave-girl is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she ran away from her.
The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.”
And the angel of the Lord said to her,
“Now you have conceived and shall bear a son;
you shall call him Ishmael,
for the Lord has given heed to your affliction.
He shall be a wild ass of a man,
with his hand against everyone,
and everyone’s hand against him;
and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”
So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi”; for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.
Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

Caught up in a system

stacked against her

with no options

and no way out

At the end of her tether

Hagar flees

It’s probably not the first time

and it certainly wasn’t the last time

that she knew despair

The despair of one

who is used and abused

a chattel

with no rights or protection

Yet, in her flight

in her desolation

by the roadside

she encountered God

and recognised

the One who promised life

Hagar saw and named 

the God she encountered.

Her recognition

in the moment of despair

brought from God

words of comfort

and words of terror.

The promise of a birth

and the guarantee of struggle  

And so this mother

of questionable heritage

without standing in her culture

became the bearer of a nation

An outsider

who saw and acknowledged God

And still

it is the outsiders

those on the margins

the ones we dismiss

who see the things 

that we do not.

It is those we have sidelined

who have a better perspective

and can alert us

to our blindness

But first we have to look

to the edges

and there discover

the ones with whom

God hangs out.

The ones who bear strongly

the likeness of Christ

From them we might learn

to see

and to know

God among us.

Monumental woman

Genesis 19:15-26

When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Get up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or else you will be consumed in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered; so the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and left him outside the city. When they had brought them outside, they said, “Flee for your life; do not look back or stop anywhere in the Plain; flee to the hills, or else you will be consumed.” And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords; your servant has found favor with you, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life; but I cannot flee to the hills, for fear the disaster will overtake me and I die. Look, that city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” He said to him, “Very well, I grant you this favor too, and will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. Hurry, escape there, for I can do nothing until you arrive there.” Therefore the city was called Zoar. The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.
Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

We do not know her name

only her fate

Lot’s wife -

stopped in her tracks

forever

For all time

held up

as a warning

for those who look back.

Her husband 

the one with a track record

the one who was prepared

to sacrifice his daughters

hesitated

He stalled

He negotiated

a place to hide

and his life was spared.

Who knows why

Lot’s wife looked back

In grief?

In compassion?

To ensure the safety

of her daughters

in the knowledge

that she couldn’t entrust that

to Lot?

Whatever the reason, 

judgement

and execution 

were swift

Just another unnamed woman

treated harshly

by a patriarchal culture.

Sarai - beautiful matriarch

Genesis 12:10-13
Abram and Sarai in Egypt
Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to reside there as an alien, for the famine was severe in the land. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know well that you are a woman beautiful in appearance; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; then they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account.”

Sarai

A woman who is prepared

to do whatever is required

to protect those she loves

A woman

who leaves all that she knows

to follow God

destination unknown

A woman

who places herself in danger

and plays down her beauty

to ensure her man will live

A woman

who stands aside

to ensure her husband

produces an heir

A woman 

who is disrespected

and retaliates

setting up generations

embroiled in bitterness.

A woman 

who lost faith

in the promise of God

but still found it in her

to be hospitable

to the Lord’s messengers

A woman 

who eavesdropped

and who laughed out loud

at the notion 

of bearing a son 

at the age of 90

already beyond menopause

and who carried her laughter

through conception 

and each anxious trimester

all the way to birth

and the fulfilment

of God’s promised blessing.

Truly a matriarch

of the people of God.

Seeing the women

Throughout the season of Lent, I’m hoping to reflect on women in the Bible - named, unnamed, known and hidden...

Genesis 3:1-7

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Mother Eve

who carried within her

the seed of all humanity
and the fruit 
of all the earth

who bore on her shoulders

the weight of sin

manifest in the pain 
of broken relationships
and in constantly having to
tamp down her wit
and her enthusiasm
and her instinctual knowing
in the fear that she might just
outshine others.
As she fell for the serpent’s smooth talking

as she bit into the fruit

as her eyes were opened

to the wisdom of the gods

as she shared that wisdom with her mate

did she regret

even for an instant

her desire

to claim the fruit of knowledge

for her

and all her offspring?

Or, like countless sisters

who followed her

generation after generation

did she know

that a woman’s love

carried with it

guilt

and shame

and blame

Vulnerability

and loss

demanding everything

promising nothing

yet choosing to

give her all anyway

even under the weight
of silence.

Broken hearts

Shrove Tuesday  - Preparing for Lent

Joel 2:12-13

Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.

Lord, forgive our outward displays of piety

that conceal our inner carelessness

Our going through the motions

that covers up our lack of conviction

Our forced cheerfulness

that disguises our inner desolation

Make us real, O Lord

Real enough to own our brokenness

And in the owning

open us to your transforming love

that breathes warmth into our coldness

melting the layers we have built on

shifting the defences we have put in place

seeping through our togetherness

until our hearts are broken with yours.

And then, as we gather up the pieces,

may we be unable to distinguish

what is yours

and what is ours

and give thanks for the wonder

of your dwelling in us

bringing wholeness

from the inside out.

Hearing and doing

James 1:19-22
Hearing and Doing the Word
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

Lord, in a world where we erect podiums

and then are surprised and disappointed 

when those we revere

fall short

When we are left questioning

the things we thought were good and true

When we are disillusioned

and outraged

and grieving

and uncertain

Give us the courage

to look deep within ourselves

To see all that resides in us

that extinguishes

that divine spark

that you place in each of us

That desire to give away our power

to relinquish our responsibility

to promote patriarchy

to be feminist only when it suits us

And as we see the darkness in ourselves

give us the will

to stand rightly in our power

with the force of love

to conquer evil

to raise up those

whose voices go unheard

whose oppression goes unseen 

whose justice is denied

And may the power we embrace

never be at another’s expense

May we know without a doubt

that your power

and your love

and your justice

are given for all

with no exclusions

no limits

And as we are empowered

may we empower others 

so that even in the darkness

your light shines brightly

revealing all

as we not only hear your word

but live out your promise

for all of creation.

In the name of the one who is love.

Transfiguration - taking us deeper

Matthew 17:1-5
The Transfiguration
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

We don’t do well with the unexplainable.
We’d rather be able to cram everything into boxes,
labelled and categorised, neatly packaged.
We’re discombobulated by events that refuse to fit
into our systems and theories.
It’s been like that since the beginning,
since Adam and Eve
tried to cover their nakedness
or Noah asked for a drawing
or Sarah laughed out loud
or Lot’s wife wanted one last look
or Isaac wanted a ram
or Moses wanted a speech
or Gideon wanted a sign
or David wanted a harem
or Ruth wanted a husband
or Job wanted a break
or Jeremiah wanted a pair of clean shorts
or Amos wanted a simple basket of fruit
But all of these simple requests and actions
turned into multi-faceted messages about the reign of God.
And so the disciples
on the mountain top with Jesus
want everything pegged down:
tents for the prophets,
something to do,
anything,
to keep them from feeling
so out of their depth
at Jesus throwing them
yet another curve ball,
catching them off balance
with dazzling appearances
and voices from heaven,
too preoccupied with the desire
to “normalise” this event
that they tuned out the echoes of baptism
and didn’t catch the subtlety
of the beginning mirrored
in the beginning of the end.
A mountain top experience
that didn’t quite compute
when they were back on lower ground.
(Liz Crumlish 2014)

Beautiful dust

Looking ahead to Ash Wednesday...

Remember that you are dust

and to dust you shall return

Some days it seems we hardly need a reminder

of our mortality

Creation cries out

in protest

at our stewardship

of resources

Our city streets

and parks

are littered

with all the signs 

of austerity

of a failed welfare system

of broken relationships

of those who have fallen

through gaping holes

never mind cracks

At every turn

we are confronted

by our frailty

So as we don ashes

in the midst

of brokenness

our own

and others’

may we resolve

to hold space 

for one another

Space in which

each is seen

and heard

valued 

accepted

loved

held in light

recognised

as beloved

And may the ashes we wear

signify 

kindness

generosity of spirit

unfailing love

tenacious hope 

and the possibility of redemption

Remember that you are dust

Beautiful dust

and to dust you shall return

Not only...but also

This Sunday’s gospel contains some hard teaching...

Matthew 5:43-48
Love for Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

You have heard it said...

Lord, your teaching may simplify the law

but it does not diminish 

You make it plain

that what you ask of us

goes further

reaches deeper

demands more

More love

More compassion

More grace

You teach us

not just how to get by

but how to contribute

to the well-being

of all creation

You show us

how to transform the world

by being more

So, on those days 

when we are tempted

to give what comes easy
Or to simply follow others 
in half hearted gestures
Preserve us from being judgmental
and compel us to action
that stems from the awareness
that we are shot through
with your divine spirit
moulded with infinite love.

Help us to dig deeper

so that as you have blessed us

we may bless others

As you have forgiven us

we may forgive others

As you have loved us

we may love others

And, when we encounter those

who make all these things difficult

give us your heart of compassion

and your strength of mind

and root us in your power

so that we can do no other

but follow your law of love

until practice makes perfect

and grace abounds.

Bishops, Babies and Blessings

1 Thessalonians 5:16-21
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good;

This has been a week!
A week that seemed to last forever.
A week that I wish would never end
It started off- and continues-  joyfully
Catching up with friends
Sharing food and stories
laughing out loud
Friends who then became colleagues
as the banter morphed into professional roles
and we plied our craft
and included others
learning together
how to care for self and others.
And then a meeting with the bishop
who affirmed a call and began to sketch out a pathway
setting in motion
the fulfilment
of deep longing
releasing potential
for deep joy.
And in the midst of it all - a baby
A baby who refused to wait until all was ready
who disrupted all the careful planning
and preparation
Slivers of gospel right there
Glimpses
in the planned
and in the unpredictable
of the joyful spirit of God
wreaking havoc
creating mischief
making her presence known.
This has been a week!
A week that seemed to last forever.
A week that I wish would never end
And in its wake is birthed
all manner of new possibilities
and new adventures
and a whole host of other blessings
that are on the horizon
just waiting to be born
Ready or not
Thanks be to God
Bring it on!

Decisions

Mark 6:17-20
Herod had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.

Herod was a man caught

between a rock and a hard place

Torn

Pulled this way and that

Knowing, that whatever he decides

will please some

and upset others

And, of course,

there was love at stake

the love of a woman

who wanted the man who spoke hard truths

to be silenced forever

Who are the folk who challenge us?

Who make us uncomfortable

Who speak of troublesome things

we’d rather not hear

And how does love

inform our choices?

Does love bring courage

or the burden of attachment?

Does love make us bold

or silence our conviction?

May we have the wisdom

to sift what we hear

for what is true

even when it hurts.

And may our love

never be compromised

especially when choice is demanded

May grace be sufficient in all 

Stepping up

Mark 6:1-5

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.

Lord, what is the wisdom you have given me?

And with whom am I to share?

When I am dismissed

give me humility and grace

When I am revered

give me humility and grace

And, however difficult the spaces

you call me to occupy

give me courage 

to be present

When the space is not comfortable

When you call me to play a role

I would not choose

Reassure me that it is for a season

When I am called to lay aside frivolity 

help me to step into gravity

When I’m called to be up front

instead of alongside

help me to get on with it

knowing that the bit of you

that I carry within me

is enough

to transform any space

Enough

to infuse any encounter

And may my inner diva

be met by the presence

of your divine spirit

enhancing and enabling

your wisdom

to shine in the darkness

to sparkle in the dullness

and to keep on reminding me

 that in power

and in vulnerability

I am yours.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

Gifted and equipped

Loved unconditionally

Sent simply to serve

and leave the rest to you.

Telling all...

Mark 5:30-34 
Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

She told him the whole truth

About the illness

About the stigmatisation

About the betrayal of her body

And the betrayal of her community

About her rejection

And her isolation

About her yearning

to belong

About her desire

to fit in

About her longing 

to be well

About her desperation

that led to her recklessness

in reaching out

to touch the one

she imagined

could change her life

He heard it all

and gave her

her heart’s desire

Healing happened

not just when the bleeding stopped

not just when she was restored

to her community.

But when he interrupted his journey
to ask: Who touched me?
Healing occurred 
when her story was heard

and when she was seen

in all her beauty

A woman with a truth to tell

Seen and heard

Beloved daughter of God