Category Archives: lectionary reflection

In bodily form

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

When our bodies betray us, let us down, we berate them, hesitate to call them holy, when, after all, they are the sacrament of God’s creative genius, each featherlight touch a reminder of the love that engendered our creation, redemption, … Continue reading →

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Following

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Rosalind C Hughes

The brightness beckoning, reckoning light years away, in the beginning, there was a star which now calls them from afar to follow, stumbling in the daytime, in the forests, fog-filled valleys, rallying with breathless joy on the mountaintop where all … Continue reading →

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Broody vipers

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

“John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You broody vipers!” (Luke 3:7 … almost)

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John’s backstory

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

(Sunday sermon spoiler alert!) There is a backstory to today’s gospel. Luke gives us lots of context: who was ruling where, and had been for how long; he gives us a snapshot of the political situation, the state of the … Continue reading →

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Zechariah finds his voice

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

This week, we get to read the Song of Zechariah, the loosened tongue of a man whose loins have finally produced an heir after decades of longing and loss; the praise of a priest who was struck dumb by the … Continue reading →

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Luke 21:25-36

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

Dissipation, drunkenness and the worries of this life circle their prey; the room dizzies, spins, sickening; swirling skirts’ colours and patterns staining the food, pulling you into the dance; something is calling, falling … snapping back into sharp-edged focus, technicolor … Continue reading →

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Hannah’s hope: Eli’s affirmation

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

One last story about Hannah and me before Sunday. Eli saw Hannah praying in the temple, and assumed that she was drunk, because her lips were moving but she made no sound. He tried to send her away; but she … Continue reading →

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Hannah’s hope: Anticipation

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

I don’t often tell this story, because it makes me seem a little bit mad. But Hannah understands. Hannah left the temple and she ate and drank and her countenance was no longer sad. She wasn’t pregnant; she had no … Continue reading →

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Hannah’s hope

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

I could say a lot about Hannah. I feel as though I almost know her, I have almost met her, across a crowd, just out of reach. I recognize her, the tilt of her head, her hair obscuring her face. … Continue reading →

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Year B Proper 27: All

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Rosalind C Hughes

Naomi had lost everything. She had nothing left to lose, nowhere left to go but home, no one on whom to lean, on whom she had a claim. So she gave it all up, sent her daughters-in-law away, tore up … Continue reading →

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