Category: Sermon

Is your least favourite time of the church year Maundy Thursday? And for no other reason than because it’s the ‘Washing of Feet Day’?

Did you notice something un-expected in our Gospel reading today from Mark? Frankly, Jesus acts like he’s a day-tripping tourist.

Jeremiah isn’t often known for hope and consolation. Indeed he has a reputation for being a miserable so-and-so, mournful and sorrowful.

For most folk it’s Mother’s Day and mums are waiting to be thanked, treated and loved. Quite right too, as there is nobody like your mum.

Noah got out of the ark, gave thanks to God, had a barbecue, where he burnt everything and then he got drunk. Maybe it was on a Friday night?

Jesus was bathed in light and there were two Old Testament figures: Moses and Elijah. The disciples were bewildered. How to respond?

Any shortcomings would be remembered. So, difficulties with the wine supply at this particular wedding at Cana needed to be sorted.

Sometimes that’s all we are asked or called to do. To simply say to someone: ‘come and see’. I wonder how often we do it though.

In Matthew, John says to Jesus: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus’ answer, spoken or not, is “I come to you”.

He takes time to talk about being ‘beloved’ – but there’s no loitering in fields with shepherds or journeying in search of a wandering star.

Perhaps we can imagine a huge star of wonder hanging over us right now, there for all to see and to respond to, guiding others to find Jesus.

John wanted to shout it out. He repeatedly uses the word ‘proclaim’, he wanted to get it out there, to tell everyone. And what was this news?

The first step onto the moon was a watershed in history. Our perspective could never be the same. Our Gospel is another ‘before’ and ‘after’.

Where are you from? What are the places, the people, the experiences that formed your path? How does it help you understand who you are?

Any fans of Strictly will be familiar with people going on a journey. Or trying not to say that they’re on a journey, but it slips out anyway.