Abstract
Bishop Muge: Prophet
On Saturday a Minister of State in Kenya threatened a Minister of God in public, if he or his colleague entered his kingdom: ‘They would see fire and may not leave alive.’ On Tuesday, the prophet, impatient, impulsive, pugnacious, courageous, insisted on seeking the kingdom of God and on his right to preach in Busia. Triumphal entry and service over, on returning, he returned Home. The unmarked lorry, released from a police check, headlights blazing – mid afternoon – cut in, cut up, cut off Bishop Muge. The Minister of State resigned, but boasted of his prophecy; the driver went to prison, seven years for dangerous driving; the people talked of murder, the Party’s over. ‘Apres Moi le deluge.’ Note: The Rt Revd Alexander Muge, Anglican Bishop of Eldoret in Kenya, died in a head-on collision with a lorry, near Busia, Kenya, on 14 August 1990.
© Graham Kings
Pillar in Poets’ Corner
Perched on a pillar in Poets’ Corner, gazing upwards, not looking down on his critical friend, is S. T. Coleridge. At the foot of the pillar, stowed beneath, naturally pondering, prelude to writing, one leg crossed, head inclined, sits William Wordsworth. A gap between them, opposed in elevation, intimations of intimacy, intense and tense, taught and distraught: remembered here, they share a pillar.
© Graham Kings
The Cost of Living (Luke 18.18–30)
In the world, the ruler can buy his own way with influence, riches and law: For the kingdom, the cost is too high to pay– joining the life of God’s poor. Trust and interest in temporary wealth, do infinite damage to eternal health: Trust in the King, interest in the poor, make future heavenly treasure sure. The rising cost of living, solidarity and care, Means the only rule for giving is ‘more than you can spare’. But just when you reckon the rich are so depraved; And possessed by their possession, they’re unable to be saved, Right through the needle’s eye Zacchaeus gallops apace. As much as you may try, there’s no accounting for grace. Written during Holy Week 1987 at St Andrew’s Institute, Kabare, Kenya.
© Graham Kings