Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Unmiracle

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

A miracle is, by definition, unlikely to happen. When our daughter was ten, I lost her in the woods. She was ten, and actively honing her skills in defiance, contrariness, and flouncing. It was our first visit after moving away, … Continue reading →

Posted in current events, lectionary reflection, prayer, story | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Family entertainment

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

“Off with his head!” cried the Queen of Hearts. It had all begun much earlier, with a powerless princess, pawn pushed about in a dizzying dance by the Queen and her King; the Bishop turned slantwise away, his excited disapproval … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Haikonic afterthoughts

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

On blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Blasphemy: wilful submission to delusions of divinity Blasphemy: pinching out air, pressing the human back into the clay Blasphemy: wilful misinterpretation of the mercy of God

Posted in haiku, lectionary reflection, poetry | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Everyday holiness

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

Although they had warned him against her, there was nothing untoward in her touch. The salt of her tears drew out his skin as though it reached back toward her. She dried his toes with her hair, barely tickling; no … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, lectionary reflection, poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prayer drought

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

A reflection for the Lenten collection of the Diocese of Ohio. From the day’s readings: “Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who was mute spoke, and the crowds were … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, meditation, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Pigeon

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

I like to hang around the fountains, water coolers of the city, where traffic intersects, dropping crumbs of cake and gossip, lies and lives. Few notice me, but in the moment that it takes their breath to fall I have named … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, meditation, poetry, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Simon Peter Says

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

Think positive Put on a brave face Put your best foot forward Do not waver Do not speak of death and it will not happen Do not look upon the cross and it will not crush you Look on the … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Transfiguration

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

thunderous light falling crushing sight and sound, revealing in the core of being darkness split by the silver of a sharp-edged mirror sliver, cracked images dancing; resplendent shards

Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hearing Voices

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

“And it was,” he said, “as though the heavens opened, I swear to God; the clouds at that very moment split apart like the Red Sea rising, and the sun striking through, fell warm and heavy on my back; no, … Continue reading →

Posted in holy days, lectionary reflection, poetry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Annunciation and assent

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Rosalind C Hughes

Ave Accustomed to many perplexing forms of greeting from the ridiculous to the ribald, when hailed by the sublime she was only mildly bemused, hardly struck dumb at all. Maria Accustomed to the music of her name on the lips … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment