We often think of ‘The Wise Man built his house upon the rock’ as a children’s song, with the subtle implication that the story of wise and foolish builders is also for children. But why would that be? The child-builders
Insulted by the truth?
Froward and unable worm? Three-inch fool? As thick as Tewkesbury mustard? Shakespeare was a genius insults that amuse those listening – and also make us think again before we really understand them. But could an insult also be a gift
A Donkey
Have you ever wondered about the donkeys in the Bible? Donkeys carry burdens, and so they do for Abraham, for the sons of Jacob, for Moses, and a number of others. Donkeys are ordinary, useful, domestic animals; but not significant.
Seven Days
As the earth spins, we have evening and morning, and we count a day; The phases of the moon count off the months. And the cycle of seasons count the years. But there is no natural phenomenon to account for
What’s in a Name?
Are you a Capulet or a Montague? Or don’t you care? Does it really matter what a Rose is called? But is a name really just a label? Would a valentine’s day be quite the same if lovers gave a
Simon Doesn’t Say
What do you think of rules? If you’re playing a game, the rules allow everyone to play the same game, unless you have some (usually small) person who invents new rules to make sure ‘I win’. If you’re around something
It’s Time
What’s the time? It’s easy to find out if you have a watch or there’s a clock nearby. Although I’ve seen people look at the time, and then be asked ‘what time is it?’ and they have to look again.
[Rectors Weekly] Generous Participation
Once, I was in a meeting and we were chatting about wealth, and I idly asked ‘what would you do if you had a million pounds?’ The lady sitting next to me was offended: ‘What makes you think I don’t?’
What did the Prophet Say?
Have you heard any prophets recently? With so many would-be prophets around it’s hard to sift the shepherds from the wolves. Internet algorithms try to help, but recent advances in Artificial Stupidity (that is what AI stands for, isn’t it?)
Gaudate – Rejoice in Advent
Advent, like Lent, is a time to prepare. And for things as auspicious as the birth and the death of the Son of God, these penitential purple Christian Seasons gives us time to consider our sin and repent. (We shouldn’t