Monthly Archives: August 2014

Text: Matthew 16:13-28 (“take up your cross and follow me”) What can we do to guarantee our own salvation? Many churches argue that good works are central. If we care for the sick and imprisoned, feed the hungry, and welcome … Continue reading →

Text: Matthew 15:21-28 (Jesus confronted by a Canaanite woman) Imagine three snapshots from the history of Israel. In the centre is the Gospel reading we just heard: Jesus confronted by a Canaanite woman. This was 2000 years ago when both … Continue reading →

Text: Matthew 15:1-20 (what makes a person holy?) Policing what goes in our mouths is a common practice. Parents try to stop toddlers from sticking random objects in their mouths. Nutritionists warn us against eating foods loaded with sodium, sugar … Continue reading →

Text: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus calms the waters) What are we afraid of? In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells his friends to “not be afraid” — one of the most common statements of his ministry. He offers his friends this reassurance … Continue reading →

Texts: Genesis 32:22-31 (God renames Jacob as Israel); Romans 9:1-5 (Paul’s anguish for his people, the Israelites) Israel is both an ancient and a modern name. In today’s reading from Genesis, we learn of its origin. God gives Jacob the … Continue reading →