Lent Poems: Via Negativa by R.S. Thomas

I have a certain reputation among some for grumpiness and a tendency towards negativity, and at times I play into that. But those who know me better know that isn't the whole story, although neither is the hearty laugh or the times when I am happy to play the fool. No-one is entirely the image they project. All of them disguise something deeper.

R.S. Thomas the Welsh Anglican priest-poet has a reputation for being a curmudgeonly, anti-social, anti-modernist ascetic and because of both his and my reputation it will be no surprise that I really like his poetry, both his earlier earthy poems and his later more overtly religious ones. But one of the things I like is his complexity, both in terms of form and ideas.

And in this poem he touches on the ultimately unknowable complexity of a God, that outwith the incarnation and spiritual ecstasy, can often manifest himself in a profound sense of absence.

Selah

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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?

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