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.
Pentecost 8 sermon
The truth is that every one of us, like the field in the parable, is a big messy mixture of wheat and weed, good and evil. As Martin Luther wrote, we are each at the same time both sinner and saint, and we can recognise the truth of this when we reflect on our own lives with honesty and humility.
Pentecost 7 sermon
We are called to be sowers of the Kingdom of God in all the corners of our lives. Just imagine if seeds of love, mercy, justice, humility, peace, and truth were scattered abundantly by every person who is part of the body of Christ so that all corners of the world burst into colourful, riotous, joyous life. The Kingdom of God would absolutely flourish!
Pentecost 5 Sermon
Let’s pray for honest self-awareness, and remember that we are called to be the hand, the face of Jesus for one another. We are called to be workers in and for the building of the Kingdom of God here today.
Because, if not here, where? And if not now, when?
Pentecost 3 Sermon … How do we continue to be people of hope?
This morning, I’d like to talk about hope. I’d like to talk about hope because I am aware of finding it increasingly challenging to be hopeful.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when I read of world leaders – and social media influencers – who seem intent on attacking those they have cast as their enemies, and in the process cause the suffering of so many.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when one man attempts to murder another man in Belfast, and then people with powerful voices whip up feelings of fear, resentment, anger, and hatred that lead to nights of rioting on the streets of cities in Northern Ireland.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when people in Edinburgh are living in poverty, hungry and with no means of making a meal for their children, sleeping on our streets with no secure place to lay down and rest tonight.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope, so I’d like to talk about hope.
Pentecost 2 sermon
Just imagine a world where all have what they need; where all are treated with respect and justice; where all live in peace; where all are helped to live life fully rather than be trapped in patterns and by structures that deaden them … This is what Jesus called Matthew to, and it’s what he calls us to. It could change the world and bring the Kingdom of God amongst us … now isn’t that a call that is worth responding to?