Alison and the whale

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.

What makes a good teacher?

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.

Virginity is a superpower

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.

Witnesses to the light

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.