Alison and the whale
Discover how Biblical stories speak into modern lives, politics and culture
Episodes
Sunday Jun 14, 2020
Welcoming the stranger, encountering the divine
Sunday Jun 14, 2020
Sunday Jun 14, 2020
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.
Sunday Jun 07, 2020
In the face of chaos, a new story
Sunday Jun 07, 2020
Sunday Jun 07, 2020
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.
Sunday May 31, 2020
Reaching beyond the gathered church
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
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.
Sunday May 24, 2020
Sitting with the loss of the physical body: Today's challenge for the church
Sunday May 24, 2020
Sunday May 24, 2020
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.
Sunday May 17, 2020
Holy Spirit: Defence lawyer, healer, friend
Sunday May 17, 2020
Sunday May 17, 2020
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.
Sunday May 10, 2020
Make a home in God, and God will make a home in you
Sunday May 10, 2020
Sunday May 10, 2020
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.
Sunday May 03, 2020
COVID-19, shutdown, and the leaders we need
Sunday May 03, 2020
Sunday May 03, 2020
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.
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Life, broken and shared
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
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.
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
Even scars become gift in God's hands
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
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.
Saturday Apr 11, 2020
Trusting that life will prevail
Saturday Apr 11, 2020
Saturday Apr 11, 2020
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.