It is an interesting experience to read a Gospel passage, close your eyes, and say to yourself, “If I was actually there, listening to Jesus say these words, what would be my gut reaction to his words?” The temptation is to quickly say, “I would believe what he said with an open heart”, and then...

In August 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. climbed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and gave his famous, “I have a dream” speech to 250,000 people. Today, there are very few people on the planet who have not, at least, heard of that speech, if not read it or listened to it themselves....

I have often wondered what it would have been like to live in Galilee at the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. Imagine actually listening to John and watching the lines of people going into the river for baptism. If I had been there, would I have had the courage to join them? Now...

John’s Gospel, as we discovered when we read his ‘Christmas story’ at the start of his Gospel, was the last one written and it approaches the life and mission of Jesus in a highly reflective way. His account of Jesus’ baptism by John does not disappoint in this regard. What we have in today’s Gospel...

Even a cursory glance at US politics highlights the importance and power of endorsement when seeking to move into public life. Having the voiced support of Donald Trump, until very recently at least, was much sought after in the Republican Party. Likewise, well known actors, sportspeople, pop stars and social media gurus will be paid...

Imagine! A Christmas morning Gospel without a manger, angels, shepherds and a chubby-cheeked infant in the manger. This would be, very definitely, not the Gospel you’d choose to explain the Christmas story to children. It lacks the drama and imagery of Matthew and Luke and seems, in some ways, dry and without much emotion; more...

The Aboriginal peoples of Australia are recognised as being one of the oldest cultures in the world. For them all of creation was ‘dreamed’ into existence. It is called the “Dreamtime” and is the foundation of their rich spiritual beliefs and culture. Indeed, ‘dreaming’ is central to all cultures of the world. It is the...

Have you ever looked at any of the great works of art depicting the coming of the Kingdom of God? If you have, you will have noticed that most of them are pictured as apocalyptic events, with imagery taken from the Book of Revelation. In them you will find armies of angels with swords and...

INTRODUCTION: Can I earn my place in Heaven? Can anything I do give me a right to be with God? These are the questions Jesus unambiguously answers in today’s Gospel of the “Pharisee and the Tax Collector.” And the answer is a resounding ‘NO’ to both. So, why bother living a good life, and trying...

INTRODUCTION: The God of theology and philosophy is complex and complicated. Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to study them will know the hair pulling and desk thumping associated with every word, phrase, and concept explored. Yet, somehow, behind the words and concepts, lies a reality which is stunningly simple; Love! There are countless...