Colourful Dreamer

I wonder what it was like for the disciples living this story of rejection and mission we are hearing in Mark, with Jesus saying, “Why are you afraid? Do you still not trust?” [1] I wonder what it was like being in Mark’s community, living in uncertain and fearful times? When I was ordained 35 years ago the church still held an important place in our society. Now it feels like we have been pushed to the side-line and rejected. And Covid has changed the landscape again. I wonder what it is like for us with all that causes us fear and uncertainty. Rejection is a hard part of life. St. Francis called it perfect joy. But he was a little crazy. As Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us Paul was constantly rejected. He did not meet people’s expectations of what a super apostle should look like and his message was too inclusive. In Marks gospel we find Jesus’ family being shamed by his actions and rejecting his message and ministry. Those who seemed to know him best told him to get ba...

This sermon can be listened to here   Gate Pa – 27 th June 2021, 13 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Psalm:                         Psalm 130                    First Reading:               Genesis 2: 4b – 9, 15-end Gospel:                             Mark 5:21-43                          What I want to say: Te explore what harvest festival is about, and using Matariki to offer the idea that in harvest festival we also commit to ongoing care for creation, whe...

Today we join with all who give thanks for God’s provision and generosity. And we give thanks and pray for all involved in bringing the harvest to us. Harvest festivals also provide a chance to join with Creation’s song of praise to God our creator and to see God’s goodness and love being declared through all creation. As we pray “give us today our daily bread”, we are invited to hear the invitation to live with enough. We are reminded that the West’s avarice for more has resulted in a significant percentage of humanity living in constant hunger and debilitating poverty and done lasting damage to our planet.   Today provides a chance to take stock and work for another way. Our harvest festival comes during Matariki which is signifies the time to prepare the land for the kumara planting. We are reminded of our need to care for this planet so that it may continue to provide our daily bread. It is God’s gift and needs our care and protection. ENCOUNTER" - Magdala Chapel Mural C...

This sermon can be listened to here Gate Pa – 20th June 2021 – 12 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Psalm                          Psalm 133                   First Reading:               1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16    Second Reading:          2 Corinthians 6:1-13               Gospel:                          Mark 4:35-41                         ...