Alison and the whale
Discover how Biblical stories speak into modern lives, politics and culture
Episodes
Sunday Feb 14, 2021
The simple cure
Sunday Feb 14, 2021
Sunday Feb 14, 2021
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.
Sunday Feb 07, 2021
Jesus-centred ministry: Spontaneous, behind-the-scenes, domestic
Sunday Feb 07, 2021
Sunday Feb 07, 2021
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.
Sunday Jan 31, 2021
What makes a good teacher?
Sunday Jan 31, 2021
Sunday Jan 31, 2021
Jesus' teaching has authority because of its healing, liberating effect. A reflection on Mark 1:21-28 given to Sanctuary on 31 January 2021 (Year B Proper 14) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Virginity is a superpower
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Mary's virginity has nothing to do with innocence or passivity. Instead, it is the foundation of her prophetic power. A reflection on Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 given to Sanctuary on 20 December 2020 (Year B Advent 4) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Witnesses to the light
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
John's witness to the coming Christ provides a model for our own testimony. A reflection on John 1:6-8, 19-28 given to Sanctuary on 13 December 2020 (Year B Advent 3) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sophie says, "Stay awake!"
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
A targum (re-telling, paraphrasing, updating, expanding and contextualising) of Mark 13:24-37 and surrounding texts, given to Sanctuary on 29 November 2020 (Year B Advent 1) © Alison Sampson, 2020
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
The judgement is upon us now
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
Sunday Nov 22, 2020
The judgement of Matthew 25 is not about individuals, hell or the afterlife, but about nations, consequences and this life now. A reflection on Matthew 25:31-46 given to Sanctuary on 22 November 2020 (Year A Proper 2 (Reign of Christ)) © Alison Sampson, 2020
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
The courage to be worthless
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
The grossly misunderstood parable of the talents is NOT about using our gifts for God. Instead, it's a challenge to speak truth to power, even when it leads to rejection. A reflection on Matthew 25:14-30 given to Sanctuary on 15 November 2020 (Year A Proper 28) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Sunday Oct 25, 2020
We are all invited to be players in God's story of liberation
Sunday Oct 25, 2020
Sunday Oct 25, 2020
Moses lives; Moses dies; but God's story continues - and we are invited to participate. A reflection on Deuteronomy 34:1-12 given to Sanctuary on 25 October 2020 (Year A Proper 25) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
Bathed with the presence of God
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
To every question and demand, God's presence is the answer. A reflection on Exodus 33:12-23 given to Sanctuary on 18 October 2020 (Year A Proper 24) © Alison Sampson, 2020.