Tag Archives: Year of Mark
Opposing Christian Nationalism: Embracing Jesus’ Reign
The reflection emphasizes the significance of Christ’s reign amidst modern authoritarianism, drawing from biblical teachings to stress that Jesus’ kingship is rooted in love, compassion, and humility rather than power or violence. It calls Christians to embody this kingdom spirit, rejecting coercion and embracing inclusivity, as they navigate contemporary challenges. Continue reading
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
When God Seems Absent: Finding Hope in the Book of Ruth
The reflection discusses the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, emphasizing their loyalty and actions that defy societal norms to aid Naomi. Despite Naomi’s questionable intentions, Ruth’s bravery and Boaz’s kindness exemplify the importance of hesed and the transformative power of compassion, illustrating how they ultimately contribute to Israel’s legacy. Continue reading
The Legacy of Ruth: Challenging Prejudice in Scripture
The reflection discusses the author’s genetic heritage and its connection to interfaith marriages in biblical narratives, particularly in the Book of Ruth. It emphasizes Ruth’s extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, challenging cultural prejudices of marriage and foreignness. The text encourages embracing inclusivity and love amidst prejudice, reflecting Jesus’ teachings. Continue reading
Reflection: Genocide and the Crucified God
In Jesus we see the God who is willing to serve, to suffer and die for humanity. As we watch innocents suffer and die, as we feel helpless in the face of evil, the one thing of which we can be certain is that the God revealed in Jesus is suffering and dying with them. They are not alone. Continue reading
Sermon: Mark 10:17-31 and the Challenge of Wealth
Sadly, there is no evidence that there ever was a narrow gate in the walls of Jerusalem known as the Eye of the Needle, and no evidence of this interpretation of the passage until the ninth century. Nor does it help us to change one letter in the Greek word and turn a camel into a rope. This is not a saying about a camel trying to get through a gate or a rope being threaded through a needle. It is a saying about a camel trying to get through the eye of a needle, which is impossible. That is the point. Continue reading
What does a good life look like? Reflection on James 3:1-12
We can do nothing about the misuse of Christianity in the USA. But here in our small corner of the world, in our small church, we can seek to live lives drawing on the wisdom from above that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. Continue reading
Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry: Lessons from Mark 6 and Ephesians 2
While the needs of the world are great, and the church is called to imitate Jesus’ compassion, none of us is Jesus. Not even collectively is the church the Messiah. In today’s scenario, we are the Twelve, not Jesus, and we can take time to rest. Continue reading
Sermon: I go down the rabbit hole of ‘predestination’
We have been blessed in Christ, chosen in Christ, adopted through Christ, obtained an inheritance in Christ, and set our hope on Christ. However God will gather others to Godself, we have become God’s own people through our relationship with Christ. Continue reading
Sermon: Strength in weakness
Both Paul, describing the thorn in his flesh, and Jesus, telling the Twelve to take nothing for their journey but staff and sandals, are making the same point. We do not share the good news of Jesus Christ using our own power. We do so in the power of God. Continue reading
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