I hear a clear message in this section of Matthew’s gospel; whilst our words are important, they are worth nothing if they are not in accord with how we live. Doing the will of God: living in ways that heal divisions; creating community; protecting, caring for and loving all who are in need; seeking justice for those who are victims of injustice; and always, through prayer, seeking to know the will of God.
Sermon for Pentecost 17
God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. That includes those I might hate, and it also includes how God is towards me.
Sermon for Pentecost 12
When we genuinely ask God for an opening of our hearts, love breaks in and we can trust that God will take us on the next step of our journey of faith, that will ultimately lead us joyfully from a good news that isn’t quite good enough yet, to a Good News that really is for everyone.
A Story for Pentecost 11…
First Peter, and then all the adults on that wee boat fell to their knees before Jesus, murmuring, and mouthing words. And at that moment Jonathan whispered in my ear, ‘not in the wind, but in the sound of sheer silence’. And I knew then, as I’ve known every day since, that this man, Jesus, truly is the Son of God.
Sermon for Pentecost 10
We gather together, and I, with a great sense of gratitude, have been given the specific task of presiding at our gathering. But – and this is really important – we all celebrate the Eucharist together.
Sermon for Pentecost 9
I want to draw this morning on Saint Ignatius’ grace filled conviction that God dwells within us at the place of our deepest desires. Therefore, by seeking to know ourselves, by recognising when our activities bring us alive, and the converse, when they deaden us, we can discern how to walk more closely with God.