Is the Messiah a priest or king, and whose son is he? Matthew 22.34–46 So near and so far, it was almost touching distance, only twenty nine thousanths of a second and he would have won the formula one race. I am amazed in sport at just how small the difference is between winning and coming second. But that is … Read More
Who was Luke and what was his message? Luke 10: 1-9 According to the web site Britannica.com Luke flourished in the 1st century CE, and his feast day is celebrated today, October 18. Christian tradition has it that he is the author of the Gospel and Acts; he was a companion of the Apostle Paul, and the most literary of … Read More
‘Thanks be to God for all his indescribable gifts!’ + Not so many years ago, when we visited the greengrocers, we would find, a small assortment of locally grown produce, various root and leaf vegetables, a selection of apples, pears, and possibly some plums. The vegetables tended to be those which you could grow in the garden, greenhouse or on … Read More
Whose vineyard is it? Matthew 21: 33-46 In this time of uncertainty, entirely due to the corona virus, I have been thinking seriously about my own mortality and my last will and testimony. Do I name the grandchildren individually or do I let their parents’ sort out what each should receive? I remember my own great grandma and our conversations … Read More
Where does the authority lie? Matthew 21: 23-32 Authority issues. Have you ever known anyone with authority issues? Authority is the theme running throughout today’s gospel. The chief priests and elders take issue with Jesus’ authority. The two sons challenge their father’s authority. They’re not the only ones with authority issues. And yes, I’m talking about you. I’m talking about … Read More
Parish Magazine ~ October 2020 Due to the Coronavirus ‘Lockdown’ of March 2020 onwards, the Parish magazine is published mainly online and only a few copies printed for archival purposes. Our Curate, The Rev’d Maureen Lunn, have been writing by email to members of the congregation, and the content appears here. Trinity 13: We have a blueprint for dealing with … Read More
Priest’s Blog ~ September 2020 Trinity 13: We have a blueprint for dealing with conflict. Dear friends, Friends old and new, here we are this week beginning to take baby steps and reintroduce a Eucharist. It will not be the same as before COVID-19, there will be no singing of hymns, we will distribute the host at the chancel step … Read More
A third look at forgiveness Matthew 20: 1-16 What, in a word or two, is the parable of the labourers in the vineyard about? What would you say? If you are anything like me you could re-read this parable a couple of times and come up with a slightly different angle on it, depending on the word or phrase you … Read More
“Lord. how often should I forgive?” Matt 18: 21-35 Many of you will remember that Malcolm and I took an extended trip to the southern hemisphere last year. We took a trip on a catamaran around the coast, the Abel Tasman National Park day tour. On the return part of the cruise we struck up a conversation with a really … Read More
We have a blue print for dealing with conflict. Matthew 18:15-20 During the past five months we have all, to some extent, been under stress and enforced family isolation. I wonder how many arguments have exploded and then been resolved, or not. Sometimes the smallest slight can escalate and cause deep wounds. Churches are not immune from misunderstandings and careless … Read More
Priest’s Blog ~ August 2020 Trinity 8: ‘Are you a feeder too?’ Dear friends, Friends old and new, are you a feeder? Here at St Marys we are a hospitable lot, we love our parties, our coffee mornings and all those events when we gather around a table. If the call goes out for a plate to share, then two … Read More
They had his name right but his identity wrong. Matthew 16.21-28 Peter seemed to have had a problem with Jesus, just who is he? He had been teaching, healing and involved in conflict with religious leaders for some time. Crowds had been coming out to see Him, and Jesus was the hot topic of conversation. He was a first-century celebrity. … Read More
Parish Magazine ~ September 2020 Due to the Coronavirus ‘Lockdown’ of March 2020 onwards, the Parish magazine is published mainly online and only a few copies printed for archival purposes. Our Curate, The Rev’d Maureen Lunn, have been writing by email to members of the congregation, and the content appears here. Trinity 8: ‘Are you a feeder too?’ Dear friends, … Read More
Revelation and Responsibility Matthew 16.13-20 This week we are joined by Bishop Rob Wickham via video. There is no text for this sermon. The Rt. Rev’d Rob Wickham, St Mary Magdalene, Enfield, 23/08/2020
“Yes Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Matthew 15:27 Black lives matter, a cry we are hearing across the world. Many reply yes, but don’t all lives matter. That is true and yet this looses what is at the heart of that cry. As a child the harsh reality of racial hatred … Read More
Testing the waters of faith Matthew 14.22-33 Testing the waters of faith. Amen. As the lockdown is beginning to open up, many of us are beginning to test the water. No longer just to buy food, but to venture into garden centres, DIY stores or to come to church and quietly sit and pray. We are beginning to exercise confidence, … Read More
Are you a feeder too? Matthew 14.13-21 Are you a feeder too? Amen. Are you a feeder too? My mother was, even though money was always short there was never a time when she couldn’t feed an extra mouth or two. In the 1950’s there were many people who struggled to feed their family. In the world of the first-century … Read More
Parish Magazine ~ August 2020 Due to the Coronavirus ‘Lockdown’ of March 2020 onwards, the Parish magazine is published mainly online and only a few copies printed for archival purposes. Our Curate, The Rev’d Maureen Lunn, have been writing by email to members of the congregation, and the content appears here. Trinity 4 Dear friends, Friends old and new. Another … Read More
Priest’s Blog ~ July 2020 Trinity 4 Dear friends, Friends old and new. Another week has rolled on and covid-19 is still very much with us, our guard must remain up. Please keep doing what you have been doing. That is keeping safe and well. We can now see a return to Holy Communion on the distant horizon. Rochester Cathedral … Read More
It’s all in the metaphor. Matthew 13.31-33,44-52 It’s all in the metaphor. Amen. Stories are a wonderful way of telling a truth that is easily understood and readily stored in our memory. Cast your minds back to the stories of your childhood. The boy, who cried wolf, it’s a warning never to play games with truth, especially where safety is … Read More
