HOMILY: One point from which to begin reading/thinking today is verse 25. The Greek word, zoe, connotes quality of life – abundant – more than mere bios or physical life, zoe connotes confidence, moral strength, freedom. St Irenaeus wrote that the glory of God is the human person fully alive (see also verse 4). Zoe means “fully alive”.
HOMILY: Ashley Anne-Maree Montabello was a kind person. Whenever we met – for lunch or coffee at Barn Doors Café on Redfern Street, with carers from St Vincent de Paul, at the Uniting Church in Raglan Street, in Phillip Street – she would greet me as a friend, with affection, humour, respect. And I will never forget it.
HOMILY: Two theologians discuss the meaning of living water, sacred sites, spiritual food/harvest; worship, mission, reconciled humanity – a redeemer and messiah in whose Spirit there is life. Their conversation touches on Genesis 33 (the betrothal of Jacob and Rachel), Exodus 17 and Numbers 20 (Moses and the miracle of water from the rock at Meribah), perhaps psalms 42, 63 and 143 (thirst for living water and the divine).
GOSPEL CONVERSATION: March 2023.
HOMILY: The answer to all manner of questions – issues of social justice, human rights, ecological and existential crises – depends on the movement and guidance of Spirit, on stopping to listen for the Word the Spirit brings, on connection to the Spirit-filled world (slight breezes and mighty storms), relationship in the Spirit, and so on. “The answer, my friend,” says Jesus, “is blowin’ in the wind” (Bob Dylan).
HOMILY: On Wednesday we received the sign of ashes – invitation to prayer (attentiveness), fasting (simplicity) and almsgiving (generosity). Lent is a chance to choose wisdom, to begin again – in faith before belief.
NEWS: Services for Ash Wednesday will be held in the church on February 22, at 8am and 5pm. All welcome.
HOMILY: “You’ve heard the commandment … But I tell you … You have heard it said … But I tell you … [B]e perfect, as Abba God in heaven is perfect.” There is a movement in today’s gospel, a movement toward the perfection of godly love. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, which begins in blessing and ends in astonishment, we can hear these words as words of commission.
HOMILY: We can think of forgiving as fore-giving – giving first. We love because we are already loved – because our God fore-gives, gives first.
HOMILY: The Sermon on the Mount is both inspiring and disturbing. With a gesture toward Moses at Mount Sinai, Jesus interprets Torah for a Galilean people fragmented and hurting. In the Spirit, Jesus addresses us.
