Alison and the whale

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.

Palm Sunday: The jester's joke

A profound anti-climax, a raspberry, a fart: this is Palm Sunday. A reflection on Mark 11:1-11 given to Sanctuary on 28 March 2021 (Year B Lent 6 Palm Sunday) © Alison Sampson, 2021.

Unless a seed falls ...

A guided meditation on John 12:24: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit." Given to Sanctuary on 21 March 2021 (Year B Lent 5) © Alison Sampson, 2021

No judgement, just paradise

Time to undo a pernicious theology - with a history lesson! A reflection on John 3:14-21 given to Sanctuary on 14 March 2021 (Year B Lent 4) © Alison Sampson, 2021.

Human violence and the foolishness of the cross

Another week in the patriarchy. The cross reveals a nonviolent god and a new community of love. A reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 given to Sanctuary on 7 March February 2021 (Year B Lent 3) © Alison Sampson, 2021.

Repentance: Change your thinking, claim your life

Reclaiming repentance as a path to life. A reflection on Mark 1:9-15 given to Sanctuary on 21 February 2021 (Year B Lent 1) © Alison Sampson, 2021.

The simple cure

The faith which heals is simple and open to everyone. A reflection on 2 Kings 5:1-14 given to Sanctuary on 14 February 2021 (Year B Proper 16) © Alison Sampson, 2021.

Jesus-centred ministry: Spontaneous, behind-the-scenes, domestic

The first recognized minister in Mark's gospel is an unnamed woman in a private home, just as most ministry continues to be spontaneous, behind-the-scenes, domestic.  A reflection on Mark 1:29-39 given to Sanctuary on 7 February 2021 (Year B Proper 15) © Alison Sampson, 2021.