REFLECTION based on Luke 6:27-38 Last week we journeyed with Jesus guiding us on blessings and woes. This week follows straight after giving us strength and fortitude to do what we need to do. The teaching that Jesus is giving us in today’s message is very challenging and counter-cultural to our human reactions which at … [Read more…]
One of the things that we notice as we drive through the towns and villages, is that invariably the Catholic Church is on the highest part of the town or village, closely followed by the Anglicans, then the renamed Methodist who of course are us now the Uniting Church. This follows the ancient tradition that … [Read more…]
Reflection February 9th, 2025 ‘Who are you in this narrative?’: 9-Feb-25 This is one of the stories in Luke that often sparks the question — where do I fit into the story; who am I in the story? Jesus has called his first disciples, specifically Peter, James, and John – highlighting the life-changing moment when … [Read more…]
I rather feel that the readings over the last few weeks have been leading us up to this crescendo from Paul’s New Testament words for today. So much of what we heard a few moments ago relates directly to where we find ourselves this morning particularly concerning the daily news. This particular passage is one … [Read more…]
Based on Luke 4:16-21 As we live our lives we come to many cross-roads where our actions and decisions mean we must go one way or the other, where our next move will be a game changer for either ourselves or someone we love. We might call that a pivotal moment in our lives and … [Read more…]
I have a story to share with you today about a mouse, a piano and a musician! This conversation took place on a plane quite a few years ago. Robert Fulghum was sharing a flight with an Australian carpenter and they struck up a conversation about theology. The carpenter declared that his theology had a … [Read more…]
Baptism is an important symbol and ritual within Christian communities. In the Uniting Church Basis of Union, we say that we experience God’s love and grace in this act. We say that in this act we are joined to Christ and to each other. We say publicly that we commit to living according to God’s … [Read more…]
Sometimes, at this time of year, in this part of the world, it feels like everyone else has gone away, and only the ‘remaining few’ are still around. Of course, we know that by the end of summer, everyone will have come back in time to pick up everyday life. Our ancient friend Jeremiah, however, … [Read more…]
Paul has listed 11 negative traits to avoid, and 11 positive traits for believers to mimic. In this verse, he summarizes his teaching with the all-encompassing phrase “whatever you do.” Anything unmentioned in his list is to be understood from his words in this verse. This includes what we say and how we act. This … [Read more…]
Today I’m wondering why, of all the places and time constraints we have placed upon ourselves, why you’re here, on a Wednesday morning, in the middle of the week. After all we gathered here just a few days ago and we will gather again in a few days time? So, why are you here?