Alison and the whale

Prepare the Way: Who, Where, Why and How

Reflecting on the prophetic challenge of Advent.
A reflection on Mark 1:1-8 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 17 December 2017 (B02, one week late!). Image shows detail from here.

Beyond Welfare

When Christ forms us into his own group, judgement holds no fear.
A reflection on Matthew 25:31-46 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 26 November 2017 (AP29). 

The Billionaire, the Stockbroker, and the Storyteller

What if we read the parable of the talents economically?
A riff on Matthew 25:14-30 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 19 November 2017 (AP28)

It's You!

Who knocks? Who opens the door to the kingdom? A parable.
This was a lectio divina Sunday, so we talked together about Matthew 25:1-13: The parable of the ten bridesmaids. There is no formal sermon, but I finished with a Zen-like story. It’s adapted from John Shea The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers. Year A. On Earth as it is in Heaven. (Collegeville, MN: Order of Saint Benedict, 2004). Image found here.

The Liturgy and the People of God

Why do we use a formal liturgy? Curating time and space.
Background to our current practice. Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 5 November 2017

The Great Leader and the Gravedigger

What can we learn from Moses' style of leadership?
A reflection on Deuteronomy 34:1-12 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 29 October 2017 (AP25). Image found here.

The Beautiful Backside of God

We seek the holy as if it is something we can achieve by our own efforts, as if it is to be had on demand: and God loves us so much that God interrupts.
A reflection on Exodus 33:12-23 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 22 October 2017 (AP24)

Bread in a Time of Hunger

Even if we feel like we’re wandering aimlessly; even if we’re grumbling; even if we’re longing for the old ways, we must remember: these feelings have precedent. The people of God have been here before...
A reflection on Exodus 16:2-15 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 24 September 2017 (AP20)

Dry Paths through Seas of Chaos

In God’s new creation, dry paths show the way to freedom: so, where are we being led?
A reflection on Exodus 14:19-31 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 17 September 2017 (AP19).

Walk like an Egyptian ... into the Promised Land!

As privileged people, we can’t simply claim the story of the Exodus without reflection, repentance, and concrete response. But if we are willing to hear God’s grief and anger at the suffering of the poor; if we are willing to acknowledge the horrors of our past; if we are willing to engage with the violence of our present, then we can move towards a different future.
A reflection on Exodus 12:1-14 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 10 September 2017 (AP18)