The Power to Bind, the Power to Free: A Reflection on Matthew 16.13-20

Posted on by stufffromthestuff

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

Confessing Christ, with Lips and Life: A Reflection on Romans 10.5-15

Posted on by stufffromthestuff

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

True Hope: A Reflection on Romans 8:26-39

Posted on by stufffromthestuff

Once again, it’s hard to look at the news these days. The Canadian North is on fire, much of the United States and Europe are in the midst of a deadly heat wave, and dangerous storms are becoming daily occurrences throughout North America. It would seem our ecological chickens have come home to roost and … Continue reading True Hope: A Reflection on Romans 8:26-39

Working the Land (A Reflection on the Parable of the Sower) [Repost]

Posted on by stufffromthestuff

Today's Gospel reading is the Parable of the Sower: God's Kingdom is described as a farmer who spreads seed over his lands. He does this abundantly, even wastefully, casting it onto the rocks and roadside as much as on his fields. It's a fascinating story because it presents a unique and perhaps surprising perspective on … Continue reading Working the Land (A Reflection on the Parable of the Sower) [Repost]

A Life That Fits: A Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Posted on by stufffromthestuff

Humans are weird. Glorious theology of our creation in the image and likeness of God aside (for now), we seem to be a strange mashup of instincts and impulses that may very well have set us up for survival on the African savanna, but leave us woefully ill-prepared for life in our postmodern, postindustrial society. … Continue reading A Life That Fits: A Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30