thinking honestly about life and faith
I’m working my way through Barack Obama’s presidential memoir A Promised Land. Actually it is just the first volume and 712 pages plus index it’s a big read. He set out to write the whole thing in one 500 page … Read More »
We are enduring a rude awakening to realities our everyday life in Australia allows us to ignore. We are discovering things that much of the ‘majority world’ knew all along and lives with all the time. We are realising that … Read More »
It’s a common experience, needing to choose between what seem to be equally strong options. Literature is filled with reflections on the ‘what if’ someone made a different choice, and we can all look back and wonder about what might … Read More »
The Christian season of Lent is commonly represented as a time to ‘give up’ something, for the six weeks leading up to Easter. Some forego chocolate, or alcohol, or social media. Here I want to offer another view. It’s not … Read More »
I’ve just finished Douglas Stuart’s fabulous novel, Shuggie Bain, winner of the 2020 Booker Prize. It’s the story of a deeply unhappy woman and her son Shuggie, set in desperately poor housing in suburban Glasgow, over the years 1982 – 1992. … Read More »
In Melbourne we are all so pleased to be out of ‘iso’—the long period of lock-down and social isolation. We can go out, meet people, eat out or entertain at home. Some even go to the movies, or church! It’s … Read More »
For many years now my favourite Christmas song has been ‘O holy night’. I love the melodies and its crescendos. A year or two ago I wrote about one phrase in the lyrics, ‘a thrill of hope’. Just this week … Read More »
Charlie Chaplin (1889 – 1977) was one of the greats of the twentieth century: His contribution was made through comedy, acting, musical composition and as one of the most influential figures in the film industry. Like so many comedians, he … Read More »
I am heartily fed up with our lock-down situation, as so many people are—though I know we must do it. I believe we are doing the right thing. Except that some people aren’t, so very few—and their selfish actions threaten … Read More »
In response to the Feast Day of St Francis, I thought to share these lovely pieces. First, my photo of the cross before which Francis was praying when he sensed God’s call to him. Next, one of the versions … Read More »