Matthew | Who’s listening?

This poem was written by Di Shearer, who has been worshipping with Sanctuary recently. It picks up themes of Sunday’s text with the expectancy of Advent. I encourage you to find a quiet space, and read it slowly and prayerfully.

For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Human One … Therefore, be ready! (Matthew 24:37, 44) 

There’s an old story about a man
who built a boat
in the middle of a waterless plain.

When the deluge came,
his family and a whole zoo
joined him in lock-down.

As it was in the days of Noah,
so it is now. ‘Who’s listening?’
It’s an Advent question.

We are seldom still
for the purpose of listening.
We are seldom quiet
enough to hear the natural sounds.
We are seldom aware
of what another is saying to us.

But this season invites
a quietness, a stillness, an awareness,
in which the still small voice
penetrates our hearts
and prepares us to celebrate
Birth.

May this Advent prepare you and me
for the Birth of what we are least expecting.
The Word made flesh in our very selves.

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It’s so easy to forget we are preparing for incarnation not only in the world, but in ourselves; I hope this word has been a gentle reminder. Shalom, Alison

Emailed to Sanctuary 30 November 2022 © Di Shearer, 2022. Image shows the recently flooded Kellys Swamp. Sanctuary is based on Peek Wurrung country. Acknowledgement of country here.