wonderingpilgrim

Shepherding in COVID Times

This week’s challenge was to respond to an invitation from Wembley Downs Uniting Church to prepare and present an online service for the fourth Sunday of Easter, typically Good Shepherd Sunday. So wrestling with PowerPoint and video-clips, plus sitting in rabbinic style while preaching into my computer, the final result can be seen by clickingContinue reading “Shepherding in COVID Times”

“Glass Half-Empty” Thomas

His expectations were always realistic. He was the one who led the disciples to accompany Jesus back to Lazarus’ funeral, fully realising the dangers and risk of arrest. He was the one who challenged Jesus about “knowing the way.” He wasn’t there when the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples in lock-down. Why not? PerhapsContinue reading ““Glass Half-Empty” Thomas”

Pop-up Resurrection

Random thoughts this morning take me to the many reported appearances of Jesus in risen mode in the days immediately following his crucifixion. Jerusalem, Emmaus, Galilee – suddenly manifesting in locked rooms, on open roads and at lake shore barbecues. Sometimes for a few brief minutes, other times for longer conversations. Now you see him.Continue reading “Pop-up Resurrection”

Rumours of Resurrection

There is something soothing about grief. The process is predictable. We rage. We deny. We bargain. We weep. We eventually accept. Rumours of resurrection are – inconvenient!

COVID-19 Easter Sunday

Hitting Holy Saturday “Pause”

Those who have travelled the Christian journey for two thousand years know that the Easter Saturday Pause is a mere interlude between Good Friday lamentations and Easter Sunday celebration of raised life. Prescience prevents us into entering the utter despair and hopelessness of those who experienced the first Easter. There was no expectation of deadContinue reading “Hitting Holy Saturday “Pause””

Why “Good Friday””

“Why is it called Good Friday? What’s so good about it?” All the years I taught Religious Education in public schools, I could lay bets on some student asking this question. By and large, the kids I taught were engaged with the stories of Jesus – enough to be dismayed and offended at the accountsContinue reading “Why “Good Friday”””

The Power of Basin & Towel

I’ve often wondered how different church history might have been if its universal symbol was a basin and towel rather than a cross. Today, on the eve of Good Friday, Christians commemorate the Last Supper at which Jesus, having taken a basin and towel, washed his disciples’ feet, saying “By this, all will know thatContinue reading “The Power of Basin & Towel”

Spy Wednesday

Who knew this was a name for the Wednesday before Good Friday? It brings in the Judas principle. He was the bean-counter for Jesus’ inner circle of twelve – the one who objected to Mary’s extravagant anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume which could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. FromContinue reading “Spy Wednesday”

Beating Holy Tuesday Blues

Retirement was meant to be easy and simple. Instead, for the last ten months, we have been involved in a battle of wits and wisdom with the powers and principalities of Australia’s labyrinthine financial regulatory system. In seeking redress for a failed retirement “lease for life” scheme, our cohort of some 105 retirees plus theirContinue reading “Beating Holy Tuesday Blues”