Our names for God help us as we struggle to name our experiences of the sacramental mystery we encounter in both the intimate and the overwhelming mysteries, many of us choose to name in English (or our mother tongues), as God.
The Spirit of God was there when God created in the beginning and is continuously doing a new thing, reigniting our passion, encouraging believers to risk everything, dream the dreams, see the visions, and speak the prophetic words of hope, grace and love to this age.
If we want the world to see God’s love it has to be through Christians (His people), when they overtly act in love to their neighbors, with God’s help. John Paul 2 reaction after he was shot, was still ringing powerfully in the mind of the aggressor 30 years later, because John Paul’s act of forgiveness, was a revelation of the love of God to that man. Hear that story today!
Love that reaches across differences of class, race, religion, sexual identity and colour is fully inclusive. It calls for justice, peace, equality of all humanity and the care for all people and creation We are called to no longer be servants but friends!
Rev Prof Bill Loader and Rev Dr John Squires, with his wife Rev Elizabeth Raine have produced Lenten and Easter resources/bible studies that would be of immense interest to the Project Reconnect family. To join Prof Bill Loader click HERE at the the time of the study and join YouTube LiveStream
For Antoni Gaudi, the visionary who designed the La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, love is not enough.
Technique alone was insufficient, to do things right, he needed love and technique. We are called not just to love but understand the work in which we engage. Cultivate intentional practices that cultivate love for God and love for God’s people.
Paying taxes to Caesar is thought to be a perfect trap for Jesus. The Jews had their own money but for taxes, they had to pay in Roman money – effaced with Caesar’s image. Here Matthew provides insight into the nature and brilliance of Jesus and His purpose.
Jesus calls us to look beyond what our human concerns expect….
We hear some uncomfortable messages this week. Aaron built a golden calf when he replied to the demands of the people. When the church gets anxious, it creates golden calves. It looses celebration and festivity, trying to save itself. Paul encourages us to not be anxious but with prayer and thanksgiving make our requests known.
Navigating life is tough work at times. All the things that burden us down, should not hold us back if we realise God’s mighty power, grace and forgiveness can be ours.
Live life doing the things Jesus calls us to do, love and serve him and others to the Glory of God
William Barclay refers to this story as: ‘The Better of Two Bad Sons’, neither brings gratitude to the father – at first! Our religious knowledge and practice is not always consistent with our actions and attitudes. God looks for performance, “Show me what you can do in my vineyard” Despite all our failures, God’s offer of Grace is for everyone
