Alison and the whale

Joining the sacred dance

The dance of the liturgy heals and transforms us: but to receive its gifts, we must participate.  A reflection on 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 14-22 given to Sanctuary on 11 July 2021 (Proper 10 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

No authority but Christ

When the church operates from a position of power, wealth and influence, it has no authority. A reflection on Mark 6:1-13 given to Canberra Baptist Church on 4 July 2021 (Proper 9 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

Menstruation, miscarriage, and the white-robed multitude

Bleeding bodies and suffering selves are all gathered up in God. A reflection on Mark 5:21-43 given to Canberra Baptist Church on 27 June 2021 (Proper 8 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

A parable universe

The kingdom of God is like ... a Facebook post with zero 'likes.' A riff on Mark 4:26-34 given to Sanctuary on 13 June 2021 (Proper 6 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

The strongest one

Jesus exorcises demons of family, church and society. A metaphorical mix up of demons, dwellings, and healing.  A reflection on Mark 3:20-35 given to Sanctuary on 6 June 2021 (Proper 5 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
 

Filled with new wine

Are we open to the intoxicating power of the Holy Spirit, or are we dispiritingly sober? A reflection on Acts 2:1-21, 41-42, by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 23 May 2021 (Pentecost Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

When God seems absent

When God seems absent, we need each other. A reflection on Acts 1:6-14  by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 16 May 2021 (Ascension Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.

Not your usual Mother's Day sermon

Some of us feel conflicted about our mothers, confused about love, and coerced by Mother’s Day. Thankfully, Jesus shows us what love is, and draws us into his family. A reflection on 1 John 5:1-6 and John 15:9-17 by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 9 May 2021 (Easter 6B, Mother's Day) © Sanctuary 2021.

Cut off from the church? Here's good news for you (and a challenge to the church)

The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch points to a faith which is radically accepting and inclusive. A reflection on reflection on Acts 8:26-40, John 15 and Isaiah 56 by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 2 May 2021 (Easter 5B) © Sanctuary 2021.
 

Reading with the Risen Christ

The Bible is a dangerous document, full of contradictions and contested images of God. How, then, shall we read it?  A reflection on Luke 24:36b-48 given to Sanctuary on 25 April 2021 (Easter 3B, one week late) © Alison Sampson, 2021.