During the season of Epiphany, we explore week by week what the Christ-child, whose birth we celebrated at Christmas, means to the world. Who is this Jesus, the one we find today calling disciples? What was it about him, that inspired them to leave their everyday lives and to follow him on an unknown journey? ‘Follow … Read more
As we set off through the Epiphany season, we come face to face with the reality of Jesus, the one who was God born for us at Christmas. Week by week throughout this season we encounter Jesus as he calls disciples, heals the sick, casts out demons and reveals his glory to the world. We see his … Read more
As we reach this fourth Sunday of Advent right on the very brink of Christmas, our focus is on Mary and her great gift of faith. ‘Do not be afraid Mary’, the angel says to her, ‘nothing will be impossible with God.’ We know the rest of the story. The impossible was indeed possible, not only at the … Read more
Today is known as ‘Rejoice’ Sunday. We light the pink candle on the Advent wreath as a reminder of the hope and joy ahead of us in the incarnation. Traditionally this third Sunday in Advent has been a day to lighten up, to be joyful. Indeed, the whole of Advent is about looking forward in hope, but understanding … Read more
Get ready! As we come to this second Sunday in Advent it’s time to start getting Christmas preparations underway. In my family, emails are starting to fly around – what are we doing, who’s house, how do we organise presents this year, what about the children? Perhaps cards are being written and posted, meals are being thought through, … Read more
Today, we begin a new liturgical year, the year of Mark, and we enter into the rich and ancient season of Advent. For most Australians, Advent passes virtually unnoticed, as the celebration of what has become the very commercial feast of Christmas dominates everyone’s consciousness. Yet taking time to immerse ourselves in Advent offers us an opportunity … Read more
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? You would try something pretty risky, right? After all, if you knew you wouldn’t fail, why try something easy? What risky thing would you do? Would you write a novel or sail around the world? Would you tell someone, ‘I love you,’ or would you … Read more
Today as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, our patronal festival, we welcome our Diocesan Bishop, Mark, who will share this important day in our parish life with us, and preach. Over the past six months as the reality of COVID hit, we were forced to worship online, separated by distance, and we have had … Read more
It has been sad to watch protests against public health lockdowns in Victoria and in other parts of the world, where people are loudly protesting their ‘rights’. Today’s Gospel lies at the heart of the Christian way of being in the world, and here Jesus reminds us that my ‘rights’ must always be balanced against the … Read more
Today we consider another of Matthew’s ‘Kingdom of God’ parables. Even though on the surface this parable is a bit perplexing, with guests being welcomed and excluded seemingly at random, it does suggest that everyone is invited to be part of God’s kingdom. No-one is excluded, and the invitation is free. No-one is accepted simply on the basis … Read more