It’s Good Friday, a day rich in significance for Christians, the day when we commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion. Reading the story today, I couldn’t help but think of words that we’ve heard a lot in the media over the past couple years: collusion, conspiracy, betrayal, obstruction of justice, denial, false motivations, and that old favorite of … Continue reading The Cost and the Cross (A Good Friday Reflection)
Here we are at the end of Lent. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, the day when the Church remembers Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem where he is hailed by the masses as their champion and king. In my liturgical tradition, the same day is also called Passion Sunday, and the story of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trials, … Continue reading Fear and Loathing in Jerusalem (A reflection on John 11.45-57)
An evangelical pastor friend of mine once told me the story of how, a number of years before, he had wanted to do something special for his wife. Life in the church isn’t easy, for spouses as much as for pastors themselves, and through it all, she had stuck with it and with him with … Continue reading Love’s Lavish Gift (A Reflection on John 12.1-8)
As I was reading the Gospel this morning, I was struck by a single word: daily. In the passage, Peter has just correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah, but now Jesus must redefine for the disciples what that means. Being the Messiah doesn’t mean triumph, liberation and power — at least not as they expected … Continue reading Grace for Today (A Lenten Reflection on Luke 9.18-25)
It’s Ash Wednesday. Are we listening? Many of us will find our way to church this morning or this evening for the imposition of ashes. Many churches now even do ‘drive through’ or 'drop in' ashes for busy folk on their way to or from work. It’s becoming increasingly common to see people out and … Continue reading Washing up (An Ash Wednesday Reflection)
Matthew Root 