Tag Archives: 1 Samuel 1:4-20

Endings and Beginnings: Embracing Kairos in Troubling Times

This reflection for North Balwyn Uniting Church emphasizes the themes of life’s uncertainty and the assurance of eventual justice through apocalyptic literature. It draws parallels between the biblical narratives of Hannah and the teachings of Jesus in Mark, highlighting the need for faith and hope amidst personal and communal struggles. The message transcends human fragility, urging believers to celebrate God’s presence and intentions for peace. Continue reading

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Sermon: The faith and generosity of Hannah

Both Hannah’s and Mary’s songs are deeply political songs about the way God wants the world to be; a world in which the hungry are ‘filled with good things’ (Luke 1:53), in fact the ‘hungry are fat with spoil’ (1 Samuel 2:5); a world in which God lifts the needy from the ash heap to sit with princes (1 Samuel 2:8) while the proud are brought down from their thrones. (Luke 1:52) Both Hannah and Mary sing of a world overturned. Continue reading

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Sermon: Hannah sings a new song

As we remember the anniversary of Kristallnacht and grieve the murder of worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue we remember that we Christians are the younger sisters and brothers of the Jewish people and we should offer them the love and respect that older siblings deserve. Continue reading

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Sermon: Lighten our darkness

We live in a world in which it can be hard to hold on to hope, hard to see signs of peace, a world that appears to be one of sorrow and hatred rather than joy and love. Continue reading

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