Sue Brown
Mustard seed
Mustard seed
by Sue Brown
Mustard Seed Sometimes the world looks bleak: much hatred and injustice, violence and poverty. Love is stifled; faith is quenched; hope is crushed. What use is one small act of love in such world? Faith may move mountains, but does it lift the burdens of the poor? If hope is dash…
Crucifixion
Crucifixion
by Sue Brown
Crucifixion Just another crucifixion; but this time there was more interest than usual. You always get some spectators: the ghoulish, taking twisted pleasure in the pain. Sometimes a kinsman or woman stands nearby, heartbroken, distraught; wiser perhaps to stay away and weep at h…
Supper
Supper
by Sue Brown
Supper The room was large and comfortable; the women had carried in the food and the wine and set the table. We were looking forward to being together, just us and Jesus. So often we were guests at the home of – Well you name it: Pharisees, tax collectors, fishermen, strangers, f…
Nicodemus remembers
Nicodemus remembers
by Sue Brown
Nicodemus remembers The Sanhedrin was very interested in him. He had been rocking the boat – not good for our people. We had enough to do keeping our faith strong and pure while at the mercy of an occupying army, without the activities of wonder workers and incendiary teachers. S…
Christmas Prayer:Thank You
Christmas Prayer:Thank You
by Sue Brown
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Thank you, Lord for Mary. Thank you for her willingness to do what you asked of her, for the care she took of Jesus while he was a baby and as he grew up. Mary showed great faith in you, trusting you although the way ahead was hard. Remem…
Zacchaeus remembers
Zacchaeus remembers
by Sue Brown
Zacchaeus remembers For a child it’s always hard being different: too fat, too thin, too tall or, like me, too small. The deep hurt of rejection – “not you, you can’t play with us, you’re not big enough” – stays with you somewhere deep down, no longer thought of, but still rememb…
Why Shepherds?
Why Shepherds?
by Sue Brown
Why Shepherds? If you had news, important news, Of the greatest events that ever befell, Who would you give the message to? Who would you tell? Why, I'd call up "The Times" and "The Guardian", I'd write to my MP, I'd contact the Palace and Whitehall, And e-mail the BBC. And what …
Shepherd
Shepherd
by Sue Brown
Shepherd (Luke 2:8–20) It’s dark: the darkness of outdoors on a moonless night. The stars are bright but so small; they seem so far away. It’s funny how the open spaces around you seem emptier at night you feel small and lonely. It’s not really cold, but after the warmth of the d…
Magnificat