Dear Friends, Today’s gospel follows on from last week, where Jesus asked the disciples (and us): “Who do you say I am?” My sermon teased out the implications of our response to that question. In this week’s gospel, Jesus continues his interaction with Peter, admonishing him with stern words: “Get behind me, Satan! You are…
Dear Friends, This week’s gospel presents us with a question that Jesus put to the disciples: ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ (Matthew 16: 13). This question echoes through the ages and it is pertinent to each of us. Who do you say that Jesus is? We have the capacity to…
Dear Friends, This week brings us to a gospel that feels full of hope as it points us towards the joy of upcoming celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas (Luke 2:1–7). It feels like a breath of fresh air as we anticipate our emergence from the weight of winter. Mary’s ‘yes’ to the angel gives…
Every gospel gives us an opportunity to examine our life in relation to Jesus’ teaching. This week the story of the Transfiguration (found in Mark, Chapter 9) is no exception. Peter, James and John have a mountain-top experience that changes their understanding of who Jesus is. They hear the voice of God urging them to…
On Sunday evening we welcome Bishop Alison as we uphold St James in the Patronal Festival. Preparing my sermon has given me a great opportunity to look closely at the Diocesan Strategic Plan and to wonder about the next step on in our collective faith journey. In considering the Gospel (found in Matthew 20: 20)…
After inspiration of last week, I offer a prayer that I have named the Harvest Prayer, which was reworked by the Bishops during Clergy Conference. I find it inspiring, and hope you will find it uplifting: The Harvest Prayer O Lord of the Harvest whose church is brought by Christ and whose Spirit…
Three days at Clergy Conference last week was an exhilarating and wondrous experience! Our new Archbishop is a man of skill, energy and passion. Over multiple sessions he unpacked the new vision for the Diocese with wisdom and insight. The masterplan is 80 per cent complete, with room for finetuning based on the input of…
We continue our journey into Matthew’s gospel and this week we hear the Parable of the Sower (Chapter 13). In my sermon I will provide an in-depth examination of the challenge of parables and a methodology for moving to a growth mindset. It can be quite a challenge to learn anew from stories that many…
Dear Friends, Our gospel this week (found in Matthew Chapter 11) forms part of the teaching known as the farewell discourse. Jesus provides information for his disciples, and that includes us. Following on from last week’s comments on righteousness, we come to the issue of discernment. This is certainly a challenge for our times. How…