Tag Archives: love

Sermon: Maybe we’re the answer

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Avril Hannah-Jones

One of the commentators I read this week said that Jesus might have initially been reluctant to do anything because ‘the expectation that Jesus be a cash and goods dispenser is both ridiculous and corrupting’.[3] But maybe his mother’s response to Jesus’ words is a reminder of the importance of trust and persistence. Maybe we should, like her, keep prodding God to do something in situations of need and poverty, because we know that God wants a world abundance and generosity. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Small and insignificant

Posted on December 18, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Reflection for North Balwyn Uniting Church 19th of December, 2021 Micah 5:2-5a Luke 1:39-55 This week we were finally able to hold a memorial service celebrating the life of Marcelle Maisey. Jenny Preston presided, and she preached on the Bible … Continue reading →

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Very short reflection on baptism

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

The Uniting Church baptises babies and children without asking them to make any promises because we recognise that in baptism, as in all else, the initiative lies with the God who loves us and calls us here today. Continue reading →

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Sermon: In which Avril rabbits on about love yet again, because it IS all about love

Posted on May 8, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

And if God is love, as our faith tells us God is, then even our smallest loving actions will contribute to filling the universe with love and so with God. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Christianity means something (liberation and love)

Posted on May 1, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

How can we discern that we are on the right path, that the spirit leading us is the Holy Spirit and not simply the spirit of the age? By testing everything against the life and ministry of Jesus, and through love. If it is not loving, loving in truth and action rather than simply word and speech, it is simply not Christianity. Continue reading →

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Sermon: It’s all about love (I know, I know; I keep saying that. But it is!)

Posted on April 17, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

‘God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them,’ (1 John 4:16) writes the Elder, summing up in one sentence what I try to say ever single week. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Nothing will make God give up on us

Posted on February 20, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Whenever we feel at our most alone, we can have faith that God is with us, because Jesus entered the wilderness ahead of us. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Freedom, love, covid19 … and Margaret Court

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Commentators from outside Melbourne were appalled that we were willing to follow such draconian rules and accused us of having Stockholm Syndrome. It was not Stockholm Syndrome. It was love. Continue reading →

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Reflection: As I have so often said, it’s all about love.

Posted on October 24, 2020 by Avril Hannah-Jones

No matter how each gospel writer puts it, the core of Jesus’ message is the same. It is all, always, about love. Continue reading →

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Reflection: Matthew versus Paul?

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Matthew and Paul might have vehemently disagreed about whether we need to obey the Torah, whether we had freedom from the Law, but when it comes to how we should live they are in complete agreement. We are to love one another. Continue reading →

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