Tag: lectio divina

Psalms | The Seven Sisters

A reflection inspired by Psalm 19, shared with Flemington Ark People’s Pantry on 15 September 2024. Listen here. Links to further resources below.

There’s an ancient story, the oldest in the world, which many people know. It’s often associated with the people of the desert: the Martu, the Anangu, the Pitjantjatjara, the Yankunytjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra peoples, but others know it, too. It’s a long story, with dozens of different versions and a thousand twists and turns. The characters go by different names in different places, as does the story itself: but sometimes it’s called Kungkarangkalpa: the Seven Sisters. And, very, very, very, very briefly, one version goes like this: Continue reading “Psalms | The Seven Sisters” →

Mark | Slow reading | He went away grieving

He went away grieving, for he had many possessions. (Mark 10:22)

A man asks Jesus how to inherit fullness of life; when Jesus tells him, the man goes away grieving. It’s one of the saddest phrases in the gospel. The man doesn’t have to walk away from Jesus and his disciples, nor does he need to grieve. Yet that is what he chooses, and Jesus is so committed to his freedom that he lets him walk away. Continue reading “Mark | Slow reading | He went away grieving” →

Canticle of Daniel | Slow reading | Bless the Lord, ice and cold

Bless the Lord, ice and cold … (Canticle of Daniel)

We’ve just marked the winter solstice and, rather fittingly, we’ve had heavy rain, pounding hail, and a bitterly cold wind which cuts to the bone; and also rumours of koontapool (southern right whales) returning to the bay. So this week, you are invited to dwell in a song of praise which calls on rain, wind, frost, cold and even whales to bless the Lord. Continue reading “Canticle of Daniel | Slow reading | Bless the Lord, ice and cold” →

Luke | He walked ahead

He walked ahead as if he were going on. (Luke 24:28)

These words seem innocuous, deep in the story of the road to Emmaus. But pay attention, and they rocket off the page. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem when a stranger joins them on the road. The storyteller lets us know that it’s the resurrected Jesus, but the disciples don’t realize it yet. It’s only after they have ‘strongly urged him’ to stay with them that he turns back, comes inside and shares bread with them, and they recognize the Risen Christ. Continue reading “Luke | He walked ahead” →

Exodus | Slow reading | God’s provision, sweet as honey

Mortals ate of the bread of angels; the Name sent them food in abundance. (Psalm 78:25)

Our economy depends on the idea of scarcity. That is, baked into our system is the idea that there is not enough to go round, and this idea infects us all. Whether it’s money, housing, possessions, or security, we never seem to be content. And so as a society, as institutions, as households, even as individuals, we tend to hoard what we have and constantly scramble for more. Meanwhile, we promise ourselves that, once we have just a little more, then we will be secure. Then we will be generous. Then we will trust in God. Continue reading “Exodus | Slow reading | God’s provision, sweet as honey” →

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