Alison and the whale

Welcoming the stranger, encountering the divine

Emerging from shutdown is an opportunity to recalibrate and create space and time in our lives: but for whom? A reflection on Genesis 18:1-15 given to Sanctuary, 14 June 2020 (Year A Proper 6) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

In the face of chaos, a new story

As the Black Lives Matter protests unfold, let us remember an old story, given to a people who were also invaded, removed from their land, forced into slavery and subject to state sanctioned violence.
Explanatory note: Along with many scholars, this piece assumes that the sea is an ancient symbol of chaos, and that Genesis was written during the Babylonian exile. A reflection on Genesis 1:1-2:4a given to Sanctuary, 7 June 2020 (Trinity Year A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Reaching beyond the gathered church

During shutdown, many of us long to gather like the first disciples "all together in one place"; but the Spirit of Pentecost pushed them, and pushes us, to reach far beyond the bounds of the gathered church.
A reflection on Acts 2 given to Sanctuary, 31 May 2020 (Pentecost Year A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Sitting with the loss of the physical body: Today's challenge for the church

For churches grappling with the sudden loss of physical gatherings and an uncertain future, the story of Jesus' ascension provides both encouragement and a model for discernment.
A reflection on Acts 1:6-14 given to Sanctuary, 24 May 2020 (Easter 7A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Holy Spirit: Defence lawyer, healer, friend

A testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit in my own life, and a promise to all those who have been judged and found wanting.
A reflection on John 14:15-21 given to Sanctuary, IDAHOBIT, 17 May 2020 (Easter 6A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Make a home in God, and God will make a home in you

People have wondered for millennia where God lives. So what's the answer? An overview of the gospel according to John.
A reflection on John 14:1-14 given to Sanctuary, 10 May 2020 (Easter 5A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

COVID-19, shutdown, and the leaders we need

As we shelter in place, let us consider what COVID-19 is revealing, and let us wonder which voices we will follow out of the enclosure.
A reflection on John 10:1-10 given to Sanctuary, 3 May 2020 (Easter 4A) © Alison Sampson, 2020. An extended version of this talk is available on our website here.

Life, broken and shared

The Risen Christ is recognized when he takes bread, gives thanks and shares it, just as he is seen when we too give thanks for our lives and give ourselves away.
A reflection on Luke 24:13-35 given to Sanctuary, 26 April 2020 (Easter 3A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Even scars become gift in God's hands

The children of the COVID-19 lockdown will bear scars of this time for the rest of their lives. We worry about this, and yet, healthy scars bear powerful witness to a living, healing God.
A reflection on John 20:19-31 given to Sanctuary, 19 April 2020 (Easter 2A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.

Trusting that life will prevail

The Apostle Paul said that, if Christ had not been raised, then our faith is in vain. So what is resurrection faith?
A reflection on Matthew 28:1-10 given to Sanctuary, 12 April 2020 (Easter) © Alison Sampson, 2020.