The Portrait Prize
The Portrait Prize DM 21th May 2023 I love those painting programs, where an artist is busy at work, trying to capture the character of a sitter. The rule imposed is that until it is finished, the canvas lies hidden from both the sitter and the viewer. But during the composition, the artist peppers the […]
James, a servant
James, a servant DM 15th May 2023 How humbly and helpfully James introduces himself in his only letter in the Bible: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is James, leading pillar of the church in Jerusalem. This is James, Moderator of the Assembly that delivered the momentous decision on […]
The Glowing Coal
The Glowing Coal DM 8th May 2023 It is an absolute relief, in some books, to turn the final page, for some stories are too long in the telling. In other books, the final page seems to arrive too early, leaving the reader slowing the pace to make the experience last. Some final pages are […]
The Love of Just One Like
The Love of Just One Like DM 1st May 2023 Self-forgetfulness is either a sign of maturity or of just old age. But what a lovely stage in life at which to arrive. A wise sage expressed it perfectly: “When you’re twenty, you care what everyone thinks about you. When you’re forty, you stop caring […]
Glorious anonymity
Glorious anonymity DM 24th April 2023 At whose house did Jesus celebrate the Last Supper? Good question. No one knows. Said Jesus to two of his disciples: “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my […]
Cross your heart?
Cross your heart? DM 18th April 2023 The life-threatening, lie-detecting, truth-telling oath, “Cross your heart and hope to die?”, is heard daily in school playgrounds across the world. At best, it’s a way of vouching that some kid with dubious intent is not attempting a clever con. At worst, it’s a trivial way of transacting […]
Walking with God
Walking With God DM 13th April 2023 There are three types of dogs. Those that drag their masters along. Those that are dragged by their masters. And those that walk beside. And of the three, I know which one looks best. It’s an amusing sight to see a dog straining at the leash, full of […]