The Reflectionary

It’s A… Look, See, Pray

February 20, 2025

Those moments when you look at a thing (or even a person) and your brain is in overdrive… “It’s A …” or more embarrassing “It’s Er… er…” … More It’s A… Look, See, Pray

“Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers,” says the psalmist. Easy to say. Not so easy to do. “Turn the other cheek,” says Jesus. I’m not sure the folks of Ukraine fancy turning the other cheek after being thrown under a bus by two wanna-be emperors. “Love your enemy.” … More Ps 37, Lk 6 & Parsnips

Sweet Valentine? Look, See, Pray

February 13, 2025

Valentine’s Day can be a brilliant way of exploring or affirming love and commitment and I shall do my part. But it can put huge pressure on vulnerable or innocent hearts. … More Sweet Valentine? Look, See, Pray

Rain is a good thing Ps 1

February 10, 2025

It’s often said that the roots of a tree are as big underground as its branches are above ground. Yeeeh, no. We’ve all seen trees like this, toppled in storms, showing roots only a foot or two deep. (Don’t ask about the car. That’s another story altogether.) Why do big trees sometimes have such shallow … More Rain is a good thing Ps 1

Choosing Life- Look, See, Pray

February 6, 2025

Spring IS round the corner; and it will bring green growth, happy avian families, chubby squirrels… Life in glorious variety. Hallelujah! Amen! … More Choosing Life- Look, See, Pray

Germolene & Isa 6

February 3, 2025

Have you ever burned yourself? I know I have. Nothing glamorous like getting toasted while rescuing a small child from a flaming inferno. I’ve just caught my arm on the iron, or failed to realise that a dish taken straight from the oven is still hot. Still, they hurt like heck. (Run it under the … More Germolene & Isa 6

Too Late- Look, See, Pray

January 30, 2025

There have been arguments and complaints about the sea defences for years! They needed replacing, repairing, renewing… but it is too late. … More Too Late- Look, See, Pray

Clanging cymbals and Corrie ten Boom- 1 Cor 13:1

January 27, 2025

In my earnest and callow youth, I went on a student Christian conference which was tri-lingual: French, German and English. One of the praise songs was a rendering of Psalm 150 which contained the wonderous phrase ‘wohlklingenden Zimbeln’. Sadly, I didn’t speak German, so the band was on the next song by the time I … More Clanging cymbals and Corrie ten Boom- 1 Cor 13:1

Details – Look, See, Pray

January 23, 2025

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. … More Details – Look, See, Pray

Kids in the Way Neh 8 + Ps 19

January 20, 2025

This is one of the (few) times when I’m grateful for the weirdnesses of the lectionary. Did you notice the missing verses from today’s reading in Nehemiah? For once, it’s sensible. Verses 4 and 7 are the Hebrew equivalent of ‘red lolly, yellow lorry’, or ‘unique New York’. Can you say them five times fast? … More Kids in the Way Neh 8 + Ps 19