Lent Poems: The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry

This is the promised post for the first Sunday of Lent 2021… Those sharing with me in our livestreamed communion service this evening will hear a version of what I have to say here twice, but this is a more permanent record and one accessible for those who don't wish to join in that fleeting experience.

I recorded this immediately on my return from a walk out to and around Islandhill on Strangford Lough, just within the recommended 10 mile limit of travel for exercise. Actually we are inordinately blessed to have so many beautiful places to walk within easy reach, and I reel for those who cannot access them or places like them for whatever reason. I find getting out into the outdoors in some shape or form invaluable during lockdown. And even where I haven't been able to venture beyond the garden, as was the case right at the start of the first lockdown when Sally and I were subject to standard isolation due to potential exposure to a covid-case, we at least have a lovely garden with plenty of wildlife in it... And indeed, as I write my wife is out tending to the plants and replenishing the bird/squirrel smorgasbord.

Today's walk was somewhat windy, but nothing like the "howling waste" of the "Jeshimmon" traditionally associated with Jesus' wilderness... And I expect that even though Mark doesn't make as much of the temptations/trials that Luke and Matthew do, his wilderness experience wasn't entirely restorative... But I suspect it was essential preparation for what lay ahead. And part of that, I believe was being with the "wild animals" that Mark gives equal weight to with the temptations.

As we prepare for what lies ahead, whatever that may be, we need to experience "the peace of wild things", whether we do that through "communing with nature" or in a spiritual/psychological journey into the wilderness throughout Lent. I hope that this short series may be a help on that journey.

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LentArt: Washing the Disciples' Feet

Today's #LentArt post is "The washing of the disciples' feet" by Ghislaine Howard, another piece from the wonderful Methodist Modern Art Collection. It has clearly struck a chord with a number of people, and I am delighted that tonight's guest blog is by my friend and fellow 4 Corners Director, Father Martin Magill, who, he will be embarrassed to have me say, is for me the epitome of a servant leader. Indeed it was interesting to have a friend and artist respond to my earlier post saying that this time last year she remembers having her feet washed by Martin... How much has changed in a year: This painting (completed in 2004) was inspired by these words from the gospel of John in today's lectionary: Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water ...

Living under the Empire... (2) Where is Babylon?

We were driving back from school last week, talking about books that we had been reading and my younger son, Ciaran, asked me "Where is Babylon?" I have to confess that my history is better than my geography, and I said that it no longer exists as an inhabited city, but its ruins were to the north west of the current capital of Iraq, Baghdad. When I checked however, I discovered that it is actually about 50 miles south of Baghdad and the modern town is the administrative centre of the province of Babil... But just as the modern city is but a shadow of the historic capital of 2 ancient empires, first under Hammurabi in the 18th century BCE and then the "Neo-Babylonian" empire (under Nebuchadnezzar etc) in the 6th century BCE, so the earthly Babylonian empire/s was/were fleeting in comparison to the enduring metaphorical idea of Babylon. The original Empire under Hammurabi was probably the ultimate origin of some of the early Biblical stories, including the ...

A Woman of no Distinction

Don't often post other people's stuff here... But I found this so powerful that I thought I should. It's a performance poem based on John 4: 4-30, and I have attached the original YouTube video below. A word for women, and men, everywhere... "to be known is to be loved, and to be loved is to be known." I am a woman of no distinction of little importance. I am a women of no reputation save that which is bad. You whisper as I pass by and cast judgmental glances, Though you don’t really take the time to look at me, Or even get to know me. For to be known is to be loved, And to be loved is to be known. Otherwise what’s the point in doing either one of them in the first place? I WANT TO BE KNOWN. I want someone to look at my face And not just see two eyes, a nose, a mouth and two ears; But to see all that I am, and could be all my hopes, loves and fears. But that’s too much to hope for, to wish for, or pray for So I don’t, not anymore. Now I keep to myself And by that ...

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