Colourful Dreamer

This sermon can be listened to here Gate Pa – Year C 5 th Sunday in Lent, 2022 Readings: Psalm                       Psalm: 126 First Reading           Isaiah 43:16-21  Second Reading      Phil 3:4-14       Gospel                     John 12:1-8            What I want to say: -           Use my own memory of running around Vogel Street in Gisborne as a wee boy as a way in to exploring the power of our senses to hold memories alive. How does that help us into this story -           This is more than creating life giving memory. It is the story of someone found by love, who offers love. In contrast we have Judas. Sadly Jesus’ respon...

A father had two sons and loved them with such a fierce love. He loved when one told him he wished he was dead and fled to a freer life among gentiles. He loved even when one was unable to be a son and instead sought to be dutiful and devout enough to earn his place. He loved in scandalous ways that protected and welcomed and made space. Where do we know such love? Mary knew this scandalous and freeing love. She sat as a disciple at Jesus’ feet among the men cloaked in welcome and protection. She berated his absence as her brother died and they prepared him for the grave, anointed with costly perfumes. She felt his pain and reluctance as he reclined at her brother’s table, a breath away from the short journey to betrayal and unimaginable death. She loved him with such a fierce love; breaking boundaries, pre-empting his loving foot washing of those who would deny and betray, defiantly offering embalming to one who would never receive such care. Unlike Judas who used the poor for his...