Submitted by Glen Ashworth on 3 February 2012 - 10:52am
Paul the missionary states that he became 'all things to all people' for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor 9:22). He became like a slave, a Jew and a Gentile in order to win them to the faith. Even though Paul was a travelling missionary, we have the same opportunities right here. There are a great variety of cultural and religious perspectives that we can interact with on a daily basis - neighbours, work colleagues, club mates, friends.
Submitted by Max Scott on 27 January 2012 - 10:14am
It was noted that Jesus taught with authority and not like the scribes. (Mark 4:22) A comparison of the teaching of Jesus with that of the scribes would reveal a number of differences. One of these would be the lack of references to other rabbis. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares his teaching with that which the people have heard - "You have heard it said ... but I say to you ..." (Matthew 5:21-22) Jesus taught with an authority that referenced himself and not others. Furthermore, when Jesus spoke, there was a response - even the unclean spirits obeyed him.
Submitted by Glen Ashworth on 20 January 2012 - 9:48am
As we see in today's gospel reading, Jesus' call to follow him contains the statement that he would make Simon and Andrew fish for people. Of course Jesus is using imagery here but the call to follow Jesus is a call to do what he is doing. Verse 15 tells us what Jesus was doing - “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”. Part of our calling, our following of Jesus, is to tell people that the kingdom of God is near and by our lives demonstrate that truth.
Submitted by Max Scott on 13 January 2012 - 2:46pm
We often associate the word "vocation" with a person's job, particularly if it is regarded as having some status. Before the sixteenth century, this word was used to describe God's call to salvation for humanity.
Submitted by Glen Ashworth on 31 December 2011 - 10:36am
In today's Old Testament reading the Psalmist contemplates the greatness of God as seen in what he has made and wonders why God would care about humankind. This is all done in the context of worship, showing clearly that it is God who is creator over the universe and it is humankind that has been given authority over part of this creation, the earth. Although the contrast between God and man is great, we have been included into his greatness through the privileged position he has given us.
Submitted by Max Scott on 22 December 2011 - 9:56am
One of the slogans of the Corinthian Christians was "All things are lawful for me." (1 Corinthians 6:12) They rejoiced in the new found freedom that came through faith in Christ; freedom from the regulations of Jewish law and the social constraints of Graeco-Roman culture. However, Paul reminds them that not all things are beneficial, and that the misuse of this freedom will result in a new bondage. (1 Corinthians 6:12) Throughout this year, let us use our freedom, not as a means of getting our own way, but as a means of serving one another.
Submitted by Max Scott on 21 December 2011 - 12:03pm
Christmas is the greatest festival ever. Over half the world's population will be joining in some form of celebration. For some this will be a time of joining together as families by sharing a meal, or contacting one another with the various means of communication now available. For others the focus will be on sharing gifts, and for some it will be a welcome break from work. No matter how it is celebrated, the festival is based on the existence of one person, Jesus of Nazareth. Without him there would be no Christmas.
Submitted by Glen Ashworth on 16 December 2011 - 10:03am
The annunciation is certainly dramatic but it explains an even more miraculous occurrence. Mary will be pregnant without the normal conception process and the angel says that the baby will have a kingdom with no end (Lk 1:33). This is an incredible event and one that only appears in Luke and begins his account of Jesus. However, Luke does not fail in all of this to record Mary's response. A theme particular to Luke is that of discipleship and Mary surely stands out in this regard.
Submitted by Max Scott on 9 December 2011 - 9:25am
At a criminal trial, there are two forms of evidence: the evidence provided by things such as DNA or security cameras; and the spoken testimony of people. What is important about the latter is the light they shed on the events that they witnessed - what they saw and heard. John bore testimony to Jesus. As with any witness, the purpose of his testimony was for people to believe the truth through what he said.
