thinking honestly about life and faith
I was reminded last week of a post and a song I wrote 16 years ago, and I think it really deserves to be shared again. The challenge of Jackson Browne’s song, ‘The rebel jesus’ continues: amongst all that busies … Read More »
We were delighted by the Australian musical My Brilliant Career—based on the original book by Miles Franklin (1901) and then a book and lyrics by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant. Bryant also wrote the music, with Matthew Frank. The production … Read More »
I am writing out a sense of sadness, as well as gratitude and I hope an appropriate perspective. This post concerns life and death. We’ve attended a funeral in each of the last three weeks—all older men, who had lived … Read More »
Sorting some books, I found a number of old notebooks in which I’ve recorded words of wisdom, song lyrics, and prayers or blessings, from an extraordinary range of sources. Some of these saying used to be posted on my notice … Read More »
Actually, here I want to bring together quotes from four sources. But to begin with one I found from actor and writer Rainn Wilson: The metamorphosis of Jesus Christ from a humble servant of the abject poor to a symbol … Read More »
The late and truly wonderful Archbishop Desmond Tutu once remarked: I don’t preach a social gospel; I preach the Gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t … Read More »
‘Hope has two beautiful daughters: Their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.’ This quotation is widely attributed to St Augustine of Hippo … Read More »
It’s a very encouraging experience when you read some notable author who says exactly what you think or, in my case, have also taught. I came across this quote, on Twitter, from the wonderful spiritual teacher and guide, Richard Rohr. … 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 »
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 »