Names matter. I discovered the other day that one of my all-time favourite stories, the Earthsea Cycle by Ursula LeGuin, had been bought by a TV channel and made into a min-series and in the process butchered beyond redemption. And the thing that most outraged me was that they had muddled up the hero’s name. …
Monthly Archives: December 2004
Sunday Week 4 of Advent
“Do you know what my mummy’s got in her tummy?” That’s what my three-and-a-half year old niece asked me yesterday. Well, I tried, ‘chips’ which Becky was sneaking of her mum’s plate. “NO”. Then we moved onto worms, fish, and other squeal-producing ideas, before she informed me with all the magisterial condescension only someone her …
Immaculate Conception
We are chosen Chosen before the world began Chosen in Christ Chosen in Christ to be holy and spotless Chosen to live through love Chosen to live in his presence Chosen from the beginning Chosen to be for God’s greater glory Chosen to be the people who would put their hopes in Christ I think …
Monday Week 2 of Advent
There are two unanswered questions in today’s gospel and one that isn’t even asked. ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ and ‘Which is easier: to say, “your sins are forgiven you” or to say “Get up and walk”?’ ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ You’d think the answer was obvious but to this …
Sunday Week 2 of Advent
Something is coming. Two voices proclaim the same thing. The voice of a desert herald: Prepare the way, something is coming. The voice of an ancient prophet: A dead stump is sprouting, something is coming. Two voices, as different as day and night, agree: something is coming. Isaiah soothing his people: things are going to …