We had an overview of what Christians believe about the Second Coming. This is just the straightforward stuff about not knowing the day, Jesus' return, the general resurrection, the judgement, etc. We don't go in for the freaky huge timetable charts that claim to have everything mapped out down to the minute.
That reminds me of a Bible Class leader who was obsessed with telling us about the Dispensations- more years ago than I wish to remember. I have heard nothing about them since.
Yes, i had a mischievous college professor who used to collect foldout charts of the various events some people claimed they could decipher in Revelation, some of which could reach almost around the classroom.
We had an overview of what Christians believe about the Second Coming. This is just the straightforward stuff about not knowing the day, Jesus' return, the general resurrection, the judgement, etc. We don't go in for the freaky huge timetable charts that claim to have everything mapped out down to the minute.
I'm odd enough to have been fascinated by the weekly public-access TV show I used to watch in which a preacher with a pointer would explain eternal truths from a large bedsheet or carpet emblazoned with symbols and texts. It was supposedly a copy of one either given miraculously to a guy while he slept or the contents were imparted to his mind, heart, and/or soul and he was bidden to transcribe it on a sheet. The program originated from a meeting room in the basement of an old local shopping center. Each week, someone else was given the pointer and had a go at preaching, which seemed random but all they had to do was look at something on the sheet and explain it (and of course point to it with the pointer). Shouting seemed to be encouraged.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost. Gospel: the Good Samaritan.
A challenge to, as per other passages, not to restrict our love and compassion to those of our "tribes", for what profit is that, but to show our love to all, especially those we may have differences with. The early church and its appeal for women and slaves, those not deemed important, was mentioned as reaching beyond what we may believe we need to do.
As an aside, the priest mentioned the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was mountainous, rocky and dangerous. In my head I had had it as a straight highway.
Matthew 5:13-16. God's people are blessed to be a blessing and this is what it looks like. Salt is a sign of covenant, also for purification, flavouring and preservation; light dispels darkness and a small amount of it makes a huge difference. Salt and light have influence in the world and the blessed Kingdom people (the poor in spirit, the meek, etc) have influence.
Five young people and one adult were confirmed at our morning service, when the bishop preached from Matthew 7: 24-27 - the wise man building his house upon rock.
We are all building a life.
Our choice of foundations is important.
In life, as in building, we don't know how good the foundations are until they are tested by adverse conditions.
This is a disappointing ending to the story because the Jews compromised. In every age we too face the challenge of compromise in the areas of worship, work and family. We need to be single-minded in our following of Jesus.
The woman bent over for 18 years and a reading from Ephesians on Jews and Greeks being one.
Various comments on both, with the thrust an encouragement to compassion. In this fasting season to not only do the dietary fast as one can, but fast from hurtful actions and try to do good. The Parable of the Sheep and Goats was brought up as examples, with the warning of Christ's terrible condemnation awaiting us, may we never hear those words!, if we do not do the charitable deeds commanded of us.
Isaiah 11:1-10 to mark the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is liminal time of waiting, between something that has happened and something that will happen. The second Sunday of Advent is about peace which in the Bible is shalom, wholeness, health, completeness. This passage in Isaiah is a picture of this peace, where lions become vegetarian and the whole miserable story of the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden is turned around by the young child who can put their hand into the serpent's nest.
Our reading was Luke 1: 46-56 (The Magnificat / Song of Mary)
God often chooses to use the most lowly and humble people to achieve his purposes. Our final hymn was Tell Out My Soul, which is a paraphrase of the passage.
Not sure if anyone has heard one shorter, but in my reading I came across this sermon preached in the 440s by Kyros Panopolites, Bishop of Kotyaion:
Brethren, let the birth of God our Saviour Jesus Christ be honoured with silence, because the Word of God was conceived in the holy Virgin through hearing alone. To him be glory for ever. Amen.
The visiting bishop gave a sermon on the Gospel reading of Christ the Shepherd, encouraging all to be one flock, being part of the community. After wishing us Christmas and New Year blessings, he said we may not have another 365 days next year in which to follow Christ and should make efforts to follow Christ and love those we meet daily.
The fourth candle of Advent, which is about love. God loves us, not because of anything we do or because anything about us attracts him but because of who he is.
At Christmas Eve Midnight Communion: John 1: 1-14 The Word became flesh
We need The Word in our heads for understanding, in our hearts for love, and in our hands to share that love with others in practical ways.
This morning; every parent longs for their child to fulfil its potential. Jesus probably didn't fulfil Joseph and Mary's dreams, he may have even been regarded as a failure in human terms - but God had other ideas which Jesus fulfilled to perfection.
That can celebrate life even amidst the darkness of todays world - for wouldn’t the world into which Jesus was born also have been full of strife. We still celebrate life, it’s still a gift.
The many heroes in the Christmas story eg shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, wise men. - each matched ( with relevant comments ) to an item in the Cadbury’s Heroes box of chocolates ( liberally distributed)
Just like Anna and Simeon, we are waiting for the Messiah to come.
In the meantime, we should be prepared for suffering, finding our way to serve, and being obedient to that calling.
The sermon, such as it was, seemed to be a meditation on Auld Lang Syne, which I found most peculiar. The minister ended the service by shrieking “Happy New Year” and running from the church. Not edifying….
The sermon, such as it was, seemed to be a meditation on Auld Lang Syne, which I found most peculiar. The minister ended the service by shrieking “Happy New Year” and running from the church. Not edifying….
Indeed not. How very odd, and disturbing...was the minister suddenly taken ill, perhaps?
Another bloody Pastoral Letter from our wretched bishop. When they are not going on about his narrow veesion of Pro-life issues, they generally encourage people to go to church and shut up. So I don't listen and can't tell you what it was about. I did notice that he quoted the current Pope ,,, which is some sort of progress, I suppose.
I assume your priest is obliged to read out a Pastoral Letter, whether he agrees with what the Bishop says, or not.
That doesn't mean that the people are obliged to listen, of course...
*sigh*
What with the Tosh often spouted by Bishops and other clergy, and the Drivel that often passes for *music*, it's no wonder that many churches (not all of them) are virtually empty, even on important Festivals.
I assume your priest is obliged to read out a Pastoral Letter, whether he agrees with what the Bishop says, or not.
That doesn't mean that the people are obliged to listen, of course...
*sigh*
What with the Tosh often spouted by Bishops and other clergy, and the Drivel that often passes for *music*, it's no wonder that many churches (not all of them) are virtually empty, even on important Festivals.
Yes it is read. And no, I don't listen. I have better things to think about.
A previous priest used to pin a copy up at the back of church and tell people they were free to read it if they wanted. He then preached on the readings of the day.
God's kingdom is about peace, fairness and justice; he is passionate about these things and they are what Christmas is about. Being passionate means being involved, single-minded, capable and ready to suffer. God is all of these things.
I assume your priest is obliged to read out a Pastoral Letter, whether he agrees with what the Bishop says, or not.
That doesn't mean that the people are obliged to listen, of course...
*sigh*
What with the Tosh often spouted by Bishops and other clergy, and the Drivel that often passes for *music*, it's no wonder that many churches (not all of them) are virtually empty, even on important Festivals.
Yes it is read. And no, I don't listen. I have better things to think about.
A previous priest used to pin a copy up at the back of church and tell people they were free to read it if they wanted. He then preached on the readings of the day.
If it is particular execrableimportant should it not be read in Latin, possibly sotto voce?
Feast of Dedication (1840) and Watchnight Mass. Anglican.
A brief survey of Watchnight "services" (not the term, but I forget), including reference to one that took place by African-Americans the night before Lincoln abolished slavery.
He then moved onto the theme of "starting a new chapter" in 2025, which I appreciated as while 2024 has had blessings it has also been tough (of my own making, honestly).
Joshua 24: 1-27 describes the tribes of Israel renewing their covenant. I always think of New Year covenant renewal as a Methodist or Salvation Army thing, but our C of E place decided that today was to be our Covenant Sunday.
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"
What is important to us in 2025?
Matthew 10:5-15 - shaking the dust off our feet. The dust is a rabbinic idea and related to responsibility. The disciples did all they could to share the good news but the response to it is the hearers' choice. It can be disappointing if things don't happen the way we're hoping for but let's not expect less of God because of it; don't carry the dust of disappointment with you or let it stick to your shoes.
Epiphany.
Starting with the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, via the legend that Mary gave the baby to a young shepherd so she could receive the Magis' gifts, to the notion that we Christians are Christ's gift to the world to continue his ministry of mercy. A marvellous visiting priest.
We should be looking to grow in likeness to Christ this year, because it is only by being in Christ that we can build for Christ - and build something which will last forever.
Forgive me, but that sounds a bit backwards—as if building for Christ were the ultimate goal, rather than being a good result of the true goal, being in Christ.
Epiphany - which had me waffling about how Christ being for both gentiles and Jews is of a piece with pulling down the mighty and exalting the humble, and how we shouldn't be deciding who is better or worse among our neighbours and erecting hierarchies.
Forgive me, but that sounds a bit backwards—as if building for Christ were the ultimate goal, rather than being a good result of the true goal, being in Christ.
Jesus is good news, the Messiah, the son of God. He will baptise us with the Holy Spirit. He fully identifies with us as sinners. But he is sinless and has one complete victory over sin, evil & Satan
Jesus completes and fulfils the law but we can still learn from it. Our righteousness needs to surpass that of the legalists. Jesus sets himself up to intensify the law, going on to quote six passages from the Old Testament and take them further: "You have heard... but I tell you..."
Mark 1: 16-34
Mark was trying to show that Jesus os the Son of God. He had authority over teaching, the spiruit world and sickness. Shouldn't he have authority over you?
Miracle at Cana.
3 Ms. Miracles - all things are possible for the one who created all, Ministry - in the gospels miracles are often brought about after the request/intercession from a third person.
Marriage - God's love made present.
Miracle at Cana—Mary didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about when he appeared to be refusing to help, but she knew him well enough to leave the bad situation in his hands without further fretting. Jesus honored that faith with his generous gift of love.
Note: John does not call what happened at Cana a miracle, but a sign. There are seven of them in the Gospel of John. Nor does John specifically name Jesus' mother. She only appears twice in the Gospel as well.
Anyway, the theme for my sermon was Jumping In. I discussed how Jesus' mother got involved in the problem of the wine running out. I talked about how Jimmy Carter's life showed him jumping in to solve a problem, then discussed how we can jump in to solve problems facing the community.
Not exactly a traditional Lutheran sermon, but I like to look how the Biblical stories relate to situations in our day.
Wedding at Cana.
Mary asked Jesus for help- and trusted HIM, not how or when or what he would do.
If we ask Jesus for help, we have to be willing to do what he asks of us.
In a broader context, are we observant enough to spot where a need has arisen, and to get involved?
I also heard a sermon on the wedding at Canna. While this was not the main lint, the preacher made the off-the-cuff suggestion that the reason Mary told Jesus about the wine shortage was because he and his friends had largely contributed to drinking the supply!
I also heard a sermon on the wedding at Canna. While this was not the main lint, the preacher made the off-the-cuff suggestion that the reason Mary told Jesus about the wine shortage was because he and his friends had largely contributed to drinking the supply!
As my old friend would have said: "Now, THAT's a thunker!"
All Saints Catholic, Portland, Victoria
St Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Church
As St Francis called those in Geneva to a life of holiness, not perfection (striving for which can be problematic...), so are we called. A message I need to hear daily, frankly; every sermon I hear from now til my death could be this (with some additions and details) and I'd be happy.
Comments
I'm odd enough to have been fascinated by the weekly public-access TV show I used to watch in which a preacher with a pointer would explain eternal truths from a large bedsheet or carpet emblazoned with symbols and texts. It was supposedly a copy of one either given miraculously to a guy while he slept or the contents were imparted to his mind, heart, and/or soul and he was bidden to transcribe it on a sheet. The program originated from a meeting room in the basement of an old local shopping center. Each week, someone else was given the pointer and had a go at preaching, which seemed random but all they had to do was look at something on the sheet and explain it (and of course point to it with the pointer). Shouting seemed to be encouraged.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost. Gospel: the Good Samaritan.
A challenge to, as per other passages, not to restrict our love and compassion to those of our "tribes", for what profit is that, but to show our love to all, especially those we may have differences with. The early church and its appeal for women and slaves, those not deemed important, was mentioned as reaching beyond what we may believe we need to do.
As an aside, the priest mentioned the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was mountainous, rocky and dangerous. In my head I had had it as a straight highway.
We are all building a life.
Our choice of foundations is important.
In life, as in building, we don't know how good the foundations are until they are tested by adverse conditions.
This is a disappointing ending to the story because the Jews compromised. In every age we too face the challenge of compromise in the areas of worship, work and family. We need to be single-minded in our following of Jesus.
Various comments on both, with the thrust an encouragement to compassion. In this fasting season to not only do the dietary fast as one can, but fast from hurtful actions and try to do good. The Parable of the Sheep and Goats was brought up as examples, with the warning of Christ's terrible condemnation awaiting us, may we never hear those words!, if we do not do the charitable deeds commanded of us.
God often chooses to use the most lowly and humble people to achieve his purposes. Our final hymn was Tell Out My Soul, which is a paraphrase of the passage.
Be more Joseph:
- Obedient
- Listening
- Gracious
(There was a fourth point - but that's unBaptist and I can't remember it.)The visiting bishop gave a sermon on the Gospel reading of Christ the Shepherd, encouraging all to be one flock, being part of the community. After wishing us Christmas and New Year blessings, he said we may not have another 365 days next year in which to follow Christ and should make efforts to follow Christ and love those we meet daily.
We need The Word in our heads for understanding, in our hearts for love, and in our hands to share that love with others in practical ways.
The many heroes in the Christmas story eg shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, wise men. - each matched ( with relevant comments ) to an item in the Cadbury’s Heroes box of chocolates ( liberally distributed)
Just like Anna and Simeon, we are waiting for the Messiah to come.
In the meantime, we should be prepared for suffering, finding our way to serve, and being obedient to that calling.
Indeed not. How very odd, and disturbing...was the minister suddenly taken ill, perhaps?
That doesn't mean that the people are obliged to listen, of course...
*sigh*
What with the Tosh often spouted by Bishops and other clergy, and the Drivel that often passes for *music*, it's no wonder that many churches (not all of them) are virtually empty, even on important Festivals.
Yes it is read. And no, I don't listen. I have better things to think about.
A previous priest used to pin a copy up at the back of church and tell people they were free to read it if they wanted. He then preached on the readings of the day.
If it is particular execrable important should it not be read in Latin, possibly sotto voce?
A brief survey of Watchnight "services" (not the term, but I forget), including reference to one that took place by African-Americans the night before Lincoln abolished slavery.
He then moved onto the theme of "starting a new chapter" in 2025, which I appreciated as while 2024 has had blessings it has also been tough (of my own making, honestly).
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"
What is important to us in 2025?
Starting with the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, via the legend that Mary gave the baby to a young shepherd so she could receive the Magis' gifts, to the notion that we Christians are Christ's gift to the world to continue his ministry of mercy. A marvellous visiting priest.
We should be looking to grow in likeness to Christ this year, because it is only by being in Christ that we can build for Christ - and build something which will last forever.
Inaccurate precis on my part, I fear.
Jesus is good news, the Messiah, the son of God. He will baptise us with the Holy Spirit. He fully identifies with us as sinners. But he is sinless and has one complete victory over sin, evil & Satan
Jesus completes and fulfils the law but we can still learn from it. Our righteousness needs to surpass that of the legalists. Jesus sets himself up to intensify the law, going on to quote six passages from the Old Testament and take them further: "You have heard... but I tell you..."
Mark was trying to show that Jesus os the Son of God. He had authority over teaching, the spiruit world and sickness. Shouldn't he have authority over you?
Not all anger is bad; when Jesus is angry it is rooted in his love. Are we responding to the right things in the right way?
3 Ms. Miracles - all things are possible for the one who created all, Ministry - in the gospels miracles are often brought about after the request/intercession from a third person.
Marriage - God's love made present.
Anyway, the theme for my sermon was Jumping In. I discussed how Jesus' mother got involved in the problem of the wine running out. I talked about how Jimmy Carter's life showed him jumping in to solve a problem, then discussed how we can jump in to solve problems facing the community.
Not exactly a traditional Lutheran sermon, but I like to look how the Biblical stories relate to situations in our day.
Mary asked Jesus for help- and trusted HIM, not how or when or what he would do.
If we ask Jesus for help, we have to be willing to do what he asks of us.
In a broader context, are we observant enough to spot where a need has arisen, and to get involved?
As my old friend would have said: "Now, THAT's a thunker!"
St Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Church
As St Francis called those in Geneva to a life of holiness, not perfection (striving for which can be problematic...), so are we called. A message I need to hear daily, frankly; every sermon I hear from now til my death could be this (with some additions and details) and I'd be happy.