• Sermon – the Maker, Troublemaker, Peacemaker

    Here’s what I said on Sunday in the pulpit about that tricky gospel reading.

    Not peace, but a division

    Sometimes one reads the Gospel in church and everyone nods knowingly. You can tell that people think that what is being said is wise and good.

    When we tell the story of the Good Samaritan, perhaps. Or the Prodigal Son. Or the stories of his response when people brought him those who were sick.

    We hear Jesus being clever, holy and gracious. We see him healing and enlightening and blessing.

    And we approve.

    We approve of this Saviour for he is made in the image of all our hopes and our dreams.

    This is a God whom we can like. He would not be out of place in our company. We would be honoured to take him home for tea.

    But the truth is, Christianity is about something a little more than this. It is about following a Saviour who sometimes turns around and says things that we find tricky, difficult or bewildering. (more…)

3 responses to “Last night’s joy”

  1. Fr. Ron Smith Avatar

    Greetings from New Zealand, St. Michael & All Angels, Christchurch, where we, too, enjoyed the benefits of a con-celebration of the Corpus Christi Feast. Worship of God in the Sacrament of the Mass is certainly the highlight of our life in the City of Quakes. Celebrated in the St. Michael’s School Hall, while the church is being re-decorated, Corpus Christi reminded us of the closeness of Christ our Redeemer among God’s people – whatever the circumstances. Agape!

  2. Zebabee Avatar
    Zebabee

    The way you swing the thurible is interesting. It looks like the basis of a good golf swing.

  3. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    What an absolutely wonderful picture. Joy in light and movement.

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