Colourful Dreamer

Are you ready to join the party? That is the question our gospel asks us. Of course, there are some other questions that go with that – like - what kind of party is it? And when is this party? The answer to that first question is found whenever prophets talk about the celebration in the kingdom to come, when God’s reign replaces human unfaithfulness with God’s faithfulness and justice. Matthew talks about it in places like the beatitudes at the beginning and the story of the sheep and goats at the end. It is some party! And when is it? In the story some street-wise virgins weren’t sure and brought some spare oil. And some not so street wise virgins thought they knew and had enough oil to last that long. Getting stuck on the details distracts us from what Jesus and Matthew were trying to point to. It’s a made-up story. Don’t fret about virgins not sharing or bridegrooms being tardy. Matthew’s community had waited a long time and were starting to wonder if they had enough oil to last...

by Annette Cater Happy New Year! We have survived. Some of us are a little stressed and strained. Most of us are tired. But here we are in a new church year! What new year’s hopes and resolutions do you bring into the year ahead? Despite what the shops and media are telling us, it is not Christmas yet. It is Advent – the four Sundays before Christmas. We often see these as a time to prepare for the coming of Christ in Christmas, but it is so much more. Advent is preparing for and celebrating the coming of Christ in history (Christmas) mystery (now) and in majesty (when God’s will be finally done on earth as in heaven).   During these weeks we are offered time to reflect on how we have experienced the crucified and risen Christ over this last time, and out of that what we look and hope for as followers of Jesus as we look ahead. Our gospel reading ( Mark 13:24-37) picks up one of the themes of the last few weeks in Matthew; actively waiting. Starting with the story of the ten ...

This sermon can be listened to here Gate Pa – Year A 32 nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2020 Readings: Psalm                          Psalm 78:1-7                           First Reading:               Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25                Second Reading:        1 Thessalonians 4:9-18                            Gospel:                         Matthew 25:...