In our highly individualist, consumer-driven culture, we often (hopefully unintentionally) bring our customer mentality to spirituality, as though God should be happy for our business and trip over Godself to ensure we have a positive experience and 'meet our needs'. But of course, we’re dealing with the infinite creator of the universe here, and so … Continue reading Only Our Duty: A Reflection on Luke 17.5-10
Christianity is many things, but contrary to what some false teachers today might tell you, it’s not and has never been a religion that claims that good things will happen to good people or that we get what we deserve. No, it's far too realistic about both the world and the human condition for that. … Continue reading When All Around Has Fallen: A Reflection on 1 Kings 19.1-15
In the Western tradition, today, the Sunday after Pentecost, is known as Trinity Sunday. It’s one of the few Church holy days that commemorates a concept rather than an event in the life of Christ or great saint of history. The doctrine of the Trinity as we know it was formalized in the fourth century … Continue reading From Before the Foundation of the World: A Reflection on Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
I’m often reminded of (and mention here!) that old The Onion cartoon about the Trinity downsizing, laying off the Holy Spirit because of a lack of clarity on its role. It’s funny because it’s sadly true. Many Christians have only the vaguest idea about what the Holy Spirit does. Last year, I wrote a whole … Continue reading Life in Many Colours: A Reflection for Pentecost 2025
[This post was originally published in 2022, the last time today's readings were in the lectionary. Since the message I wanted to share today was pretty much exactly the same as this, I thought I'd share it again.] Insider and outsider, right and wrong, orthodox and heterodox, us and them — If there’s one thing … Continue reading The Shepherd’s Sheep: A Reflection on John 10.22-30 (Repost)
Matthew Root 