Beginnings and endings and beginnings again… No wonder the disciples were confused and found it hard to understand. Human instinct is to preserve life, to keep institutions going, to survive. Jesus recognized the mystery of transformation which produces a head of corn from a single grain, and it spoke to him of his own path:Continue reading “Of endings and beginnings”
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Of poverty and riches…
The house was filled with the fragrance. She’d given him her dowry and in an intimate gesture of devotion she wiped his feet with her hair. Those around were scandalized but Jesus accepted it. Mary, whose brother Lazarus was raised from death by Jesus, was now anointing him for his own death. Mary’s gift ofContinue reading “Of poverty and riches…”
Closed fist…open hand
I try to draw a congregation into the drama of Holy Week, recognising that many there on Palm Sunday will not engage until Easter Sunday and Resurrection. This Sunday I adapted a piece I wrote in 2017. In the light of all the woes of the world the choice exemplified by Jesus between closed fistContinue reading “Closed fist…open hand”
Education, education, education…
Things are tense in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories this April 2022 because of the coincidence of Ramadan, Pesach (the Jewish Passover) and Easter. Over the past days there have been some shocking terror attacks met with overwhelming force. At a time when families of all traditions should be celebrating their faith and cultureContinue reading “Education, education, education…”
On not wasting invitations
Before I set off on Tuesday to relocate to Israel (‘You are travelling alone? All these bags for you?’ marvels the taxi driver at Tel Aviv airport) my friend Carolyn sent me this blessing for travellers by John O’Donohue. O’Donohue had a wonderful gift for finding the right words; and this prayer speaks to me.Continue reading “On not wasting invitations”
Journeying through Lent
The ashes of an illusion of peace mark us this Lent. The stain of war in Ukraine marks us, as do the consequences of conflict seen in many places around the world, including in the Holy Land. This Lent, in our online Sacred Space, we explore a new Lenten book River through the Desert byContinue reading “Journeying through Lent”
ALTERnativity Advent thought
I was asked to contribute to ALTERnativity’s Advent calendar this year, on 24th December. (https://www.alternativity.org.uk/) Every month, Christian Aid prays for Israel/Palestine on 24th, and I made that the basis of my reflection, which you can view below.
Physicians for Human Rights- Israel
The charity nominated for particular support by the Friends of St Andrew’s Jerusalem this year is Physicians for Human Rights- Israel. I was able to introduce their work at yesterday’s St Andrew’s day service because of their very helpful website. I particularly recommend you watch the short film about their work. Here’s what I said:Continue reading “Physicians for Human Rights- Israel”
Prayer for St Andrew’s Day 2021
Yesterday I took part in the service at St Cuthbert’s in Edinburgh for St Andrew’s day with Friends of St Andrew’s Jerusalem. This is the prayer, including ‘Cry with us’ by Professor Johanna Katanacho of Nazareth Evangelical College. Cry with Us This is a season of weeping and mourning, but it is not void of hope.OurContinue reading “Prayer for St Andrew’s Day 2021”
The Present
Yesterday I watched a short Palestinian film The Present by Farah Nabulsi which was released to critical acclaim in 2020. The screening was organised by the Balfour Project https://balfourproject.org/ and included a Q & A with writer and director Farah Nabulsi. It tells the story of a father and daughter who go out to buyContinue reading “The Present”
Stepping out of the boat... 