Jesus’ Life and Teaching

Where writing reflects on Jesus’ life and teachings

Observations: Through the ‘Narrow Gate’

/ M McKinnell

This series of six short pantoums was inspired by a prayer walk I was prompted to take during my recent retreat, as I reflected on the Scripture verses from Matthew 7:13-14. The photos were taken during my prayer walk to aid my reflections and following repetition prayer that led to the writing of these poems.

Written 10-16 September 2025 following a recent retreat

Christ’s Procession Today

/ M McKinnell

A two voice reflection for Palm Sunday - the first Sunday (in Scotland) churches can be open for worship following the latest enforced closures due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

  • Voice 1: Someone in the crowd as Jesus rides into Jerusalem
  • Voice 2: Someone in the procession back to church as lockdown rules on worship are relaxed

Jesus’ Life – An act of Love!

/ M McKinnell

A pantoum based on John 3:14-21, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 4, Yr B)

First Stanza:

When Jesus comes to us as an act of love –
we’re used to a society that loves to judge.
In every aspect of our lives – how we look and what we do or say –
life’s a competition – full of hierarchy ladders.

Cleansing the Temple

/ M McKinnell

A two voice reflection based on John 2:13-22, the Gospel for this Sunday (Lent 3, Yr B):

  • Voice 1 – A person reflecting on Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem
  • Voice 2 – A person reflecting on Jesus entering the temple that is our bodies