FAITH AS UNKNOWING: We are often tempted not to trust in God but to trust in our faith tradition of trusting in God. They are not the same thing! Talking (and preaching) about Christians and theologians who trusted in God is a clever way to (personally) avoid the experience itself, to avoid encounter Read More... from Third Sunday after Easter...
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Thomas joins the ranks of those who recognize divinity in Jesus: Simon Peter (Matt 16:13ff), Martha (John 11:27), and the Roman centurion (Matt 27:54); yet he is most frequently remembered for his doubts. Maybe that is because we sympathize with him: at times we too have more questions than answers, more doubts than certainty. Read More......
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Come join us for a night of fun and mystery. Where – St Paul’s Church Hall – 99 Ernest St, Manly When – Saturday 22 April 2017 from 6:30pm How much – $10 per person Light supper provided BYO drinks and nibbles Bookings – Mark Austin – P: 0423 763 Read More... from St Paul’s Trivia Night –...
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One of the most famous sermons of the Middle Ages was given by an anonymous monk who announced he was going to preach on “Agape” or the “Love of God.” The sermon was to take place on Saturday evening, just before dusk. Instead of mounting the pulpit, however, the monk sat silently Read More... from Easter Day – 16 April...
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Though we remember with a combined retelling of the passion – the gospel set for today is actually Matthew 26:14—27: It would be good to contemplate Matthews version of events over the next few days. 66. Once again I found the following reflection, from “Seasons of the Spirit” (Mediacom) helpful as I Read More... from Palm Sunday –...
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I was touched by a poem by Robert Browning Hamilton, as I pondered the readings for this Sunday. I was reminded that in our darkest moments Jesus not only walks with us, but also weeps! Perhaps at our happiest we do not feel the need for further companionship… but in those Read More... from Fifth Sunday in Lent – 2nd April...
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I recently reread the following in an article/ sermon by Mickey Anders (Asking the Wrong Questions) relating to the gospel. When a group of tourists saw a legless war veteran go to the Shrine of Lourdes, they whispered and laughed, “Does he suppose God will give him back his legs?” The veteran overheard Read More... from Fourth...
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A local pastor recently reminded me of a much-used Celtic spiritual discipline of daily putting on St Patrick’s Breastplate, calling on God to protect His servants: I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three… As I pondered Read More... from Third Sunday in...
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As Christians, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. We are called to love … deeply, sacrificially, unconditionally! We are called to love, not only those who do good to us but also, those who we see as enemies. Love, in the Christian sense, is always a verb. To be Read More... from Second Sunday in Lent – 12 March...
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Last Sunday, I said that it was interesting that in the gospel for the week, God was heard (by Peter, James and John) not in the moment of Jesus’ transfiguration, but later, from a cloud. God speaks to us in our darkest direst moments – if only we will listen and look. Read More... from First Sunday in Lent – 5 March...
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