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
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
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]
