The readings for this week in the Lectionary carry themes of love, caring, marriage, and the gifts that are always given when love is present. The possibilities for exploring how Jesus is revealed in love, and in us when we love, are very exciting. God’s love for God’s people, and God’s commitment to care for...
THEME: The main theme connecting these readings is the invitation to participate in baptism and receive God’s Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of this sacrament and the commitment it entails. Isaiah 43.1–7: This passage reassures God’s people of His unwavering love and protection. It highlights that they are called by name and belong to Him. This...
This week we continue with the ‘Incarnation’ of God coming in the flesh to dwell among us. This is God’s revelation to us in Jesus—love and grace! Restoration and Joy: In Jeremiah God promises restoration for God’s exiled people, and offers a promise of grace and love even to those who would have been considered...
The Lectionary takes us on a strange journey this year. Having just celebrated the birth of Christ, we now fast forward to the one story in the Scriptures from Jesus’ childhood – when his parents forgot him in the Temple. Then, with next week being Epiphany, we go back in time again, to the visit...
The last week of Advent returns us to the beginning of John’s story, as Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits Elizabeth, and John leaps within his mother’s womb. Mary’s song is, of course, one of the highlights of the birth narratives, and carries a powerful justice-proclaiming message. In the waiting of Advent, it can be tempting...
The third week of Advent continues the journey with John the Baptist, focussing on his preaching and the call to justice that he proclaimed. It is ironic that this season has become one in which the inequalities and injustices of our world are so starkly revealed. But, this reality also gives us an opportunity to...
THEME: Listen and Hear Prepare the Way – be peacemakers! Take a moment to consciously step into this new season of Advent. What are you hoping for this season? The exhortation to “prepare the way of the Lord” echoed in the ears of God’s people through the centuries and stands centre stage in today’s readings...
THEME: ADVENT Hope, watching with eyes of faith Take a moment to consciously step into this new season of Advent. What are you hoping for this season? In Jeremiah 33:14-16, the prophet speaks of a time when God will fulfill His promise to Israel and Judah by raising a righteous Branch from David’s line. This...
As the Liturgical Year comes to an end, we are reminded, one last time, of the focus of Christ’s life, which is also our calling – the Reign of God. It is tempting to view Christ’s Reign as a conquering, all-powerful, phenomenon that will violently destroy human power systems, but that would be to misunderstand...
THEME: How are we to respond when we face the violent upheaval of our world, or when others use mockery to dominate us in personal power plays? What does it mean to trust in God’s grace and protection, to live out the peace and justice of God’s Reign in a world of war and injustice?...
