Tag Archives: Palm Sunday March for Refugees

Sermon: Was Jesus a violent or a peaceful protester?

The role of those buying and selling in the temple was necessary and natural. Worshippers needed to change money with the head of the Roman emperor on it for money without it to make offerings; the poor and lepers and women needed to buy doves to be sacrificed. More than that, the entire economy of Jerusalem depended on pilgrims coming to the temple at festivals and spending their money in the city. Modern politicians know that nothing can get the people offside faster than a cost-of-living crisis; that it is always ‘the economy, stupid,’ to quote Bill Clinton’s campaign. Jesus is challenging the religious and economic status quo. Within the week, those who found the status quo comfortable fought back. Continue reading

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“First they came …” the progressive Australian version

Now, as so many times before, they are coming for Palestinians, and when we speak up, we’re told that we’re antisemites who only pretend to care about genocide because we hate Jews.

To which we say, “Huh? Have you even met us?” Continue reading

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Sermon: Thank God! Palm Sunday and Refugees

I believe that Australia’s mistreatment of the asylum seekers who sought refuge here by boat has in recent years been this country’s greatest sin. It is supported by both the ALP and the LNP, and has broken the hearts of supporters of both. Continue reading

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Sermon: A different sort of power

Here we see the true King, the only leader we are called to follow, showing an alternate vision to the Pax Romana, a different way of exercising power, with humility and gentleness. The crowds cheer: the powers that be, both Roman and Temple, worry. Ultimately, the powers that be will conspire to kill him. Continue reading

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Sermon: Palm Sunday Protests

There can be no ‘Walk for Justice for Refugees’, which churches and community groups have held on this Sunday for years as our government’s attacks on people seeking asylum have got worse. We are seeing a very different Palm Sunday, a much more subdued one than we would normally experience. But its importance, its message, remains the same. Continue reading

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Palm Sunday Sermon for the combined service

we can work for peace, justice and reconciliation with complete confidence, because God has already won the victory Continue reading

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Sermon: Taking to the Streets

Sermon for Williamstown 13th of April 2014 Matthew 21:1-11 So, here we are at Palm Sunday. Jesus enters Jerusalem to choruses of praise and a crowd going wild. Rather than entering as most pilgrims do, on foot, Jesus enters riding … Continue reading

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