Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian message. It’s also an idea that’s become very controversial and a matter of discussion and debate in society at large (and not without reason). Forgiveness was also a contentious topic in Jesus’ day, as, then as now, people wanted hard and fast rules about it. But Jesus, … Continue reading A Question of Forgiveness: A Reflection on Matthew 18.21-35
The other day I was reading a book review and was sad, though, even more sadly not surprised, to see “religion” listed under its content warnings. Not “religious abuse,” not “cults,” but “religion” itself. And, being an American book, the religion in question was Christianity. What a sad and disturbing statement on the state of … Continue reading Waking Up to Love: A Reflection on Romans 13.8-14
Last Sunday’s Gospel reading featured the wonderful interaction in which Jesus and his disciples talk about his identity. Peter, of course, identifies him as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed leader who would restore Israel, and the passage ends with Jesus blessing Peter for his insight. But, as is so often the case, both with Peter … Continue reading A Tale of Two Rebukes: A Reflection on Matthew 16.21-28
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, literally ‘Christ-lings’, or ‘little christs’, there are few questions of greater importance than who and what the Christ was and is. That question takes centre stage in today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 16.13-20, which includes Jesus’ famous question to his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” … Continue reading The Power to Bind, the Power to Free: A Reflection on Matthew 16.13-20
Over the past few years, one of the recurring themes here has been the nature of ‘faith’. I’ve promoted the idea that ‘faith’ is not primarily about intellectual assent to propositions (i.e., ‘belief’), but about living well in reciprocal relationships with God, each other, and the rest of creation. Or perhaps better, what we believe … Continue reading Confessing Christ, with Lips and Life: A Reflection on Romans 10.5-15
Matthew Root 