One of the things that amazed Jenny and I when we were living in Canberra was the attention paid to status. Many of the people we served worked for the government. One’s status was reflected by the designation and level within the department one served, and the suburb you were expected to live in commensurateContinue reading “Table Manners”
Tag Archives: faith
The AFL’s Moral Quandary
I am often struck by how often the lectionary speaks into current events. This week Luke 13 gives a slant to the AFL (Australian Football League) Snoop Dogg Dilemma. In Luke 13:10–17, Jesus heals a woman who has been bent over for eighteen years. He does this on the Sabbath, provoking outrage from the synagogueContinue reading “The AFL’s Moral Quandary”
Gardeners in the Dark
The folk gathering for worship this morning were surprised when the power went out. They were left without lyrics and music or a public address system. Further, the church kitchen was out of order for the much anticipated post service pot luck. Our experienced worship leader (96 years young) handled the situation with ease. SheContinue reading “Gardeners in the Dark”
Thoughts and Prayers – do they work?
Luke 11:1-13 As I read through Luke’s gospel, I try to see in myself how one thought leads to another. I don’t know that this was Luke’s process, for he begins his work by stating his intention to set out an orderly account “of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as theyContinue reading “Thoughts and Prayers – do they work?”
The Rage of Age
Fire, uncontained, destroys. Fire, contained and focused, creates, transforms, and welcomes. As I approach the upper levels of my anticipated lifespan, I notice the extent to which rage has lurked in my negotiations of life’s challenges and opportunities. Perhaps it began in the gritty arena of the primary school playground, where, at the tender ageContinue reading “The Rage of Age”
Two Journeys, One Destination
Many Christians worldwide are now preparing to observe the Season of Lent, beginning next week with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week, the days marking the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem and the events concluding with the triduum, that is Good Friday to Easter Sunday, the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus as Christ.Continue reading “Two Journeys, One Destination”
Mystery of the Spheres
#Bloganuary Writing Prompt: Write About Something Mysterious “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” Albert Einstein The physician and the artist beheld one the other;Each a sage, each a well-learnèd brother –Might they oppose and withContinue reading “Mystery of the Spheres”
Action Man Jesus?
One can feel quite exhausted following a reading of the Gospel of Mark’s account of a day in the life of Jesus – today’s text Mark1: 29-39. There is a lot packed into the day so described. It is typical of Mark’s story-telling style – rapid, clipped, urgent, sparing of detail. It gives a pictureContinue reading “Action Man Jesus?”
Lenten Voices: Into the wilderness…
Today’s sermonic offering at the Downs Church…. 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. The wilderness … at the same time beautiful and dangerous. The wilderness … a place ofContinue reading “Lenten Voices: Into the wilderness…”
Faith – Stop Picking on Science!
In sync with my current series as I trawl through a bundle of New Scientist articles thoughtfully loaned to me by a parishioner is this offering from today’s Facebook feed: Is your church still picking a fight with science? My current congregation never has, but one sometimes gets the impression it’s one of a group of rogue shipsContinue reading “Faith – Stop Picking on Science!”
Wondering Pilgrim 