Here in the UK, the fourth Sunday in Lent is traditionally a time to remember – and give thanks for – mothers. Scripture teaches us to honour our mothers and to remember how much their care and provision shapes our
Plot Twist!
Some of the most iconic moments in cinema history involve an unexpected plot twist. Done well, it can be the making of a film. Apparently, the Empire Strikes Back’s “No, Luke, I am your father!” was such a closely guarded
What is the Gospel for?
Most of us have household objects that we use for something different to the thing they were made for. Perhaps it’s a straightened-out paper clip we use to press hard to reach buttons, or a book that’s acting as a
What do we want God to do?
Sometimes, when we look at the state of the world, or think about something that’s going on in our community, we find ourselves asking “Why on earth doesn’t God do something?” It’s a question that’s asked many times, by many
Everyone’s Invited!
Last week, in Isaiah 55, we saw that God is making an open invitation to come and find satisfaction in him. This week, God addresses two groups who may have been tempted to think that this invitation doesn’t apply to
Everyone’s invited – no exceptions
Last week, in Isaiah 55, we saw that God is making an open invitation to come and find satisfaction in him. This week, God addresses two groups who may have been tempted to think that this invitation doesn’t apply to
Mary’s secret to blessedness
If there’s one thing that comes across loud and clear in our reading today, it’s that Jesus’ mother is blessed. At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel had already said she was ‘highly favoured’ (Luke 1:28). Today, Elizabeth, inspired by the
A Prayerbook Paradox
In the Book of Common Prayer, one of the prayers said every day in the morning contains a paradox. In it, we tell God that “his service” (i.e. serving him) “is perfect freedom.” At first glance, it seems like a
Meeting Christ in the Old Testament
Christians sometimes make the mistake of thinking that the Old Testament is less important to us than the New Testament. After all, if Christianity is all about Jesus, then surely the part of the Bible that tells us about his
Prevention is better than cure
In medicine, as in so many other areas of life, prevention is usually better than cure. That’s why doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics before an operation – it’s much easier than treating an infection picked up after one. Over the last