Alison and the whale

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.

Sophie says, "Stay awake!"

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

The judgement is upon us now

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

The courage to be worthless

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.