Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time                           Year C                         30th January 2022 Lectionary Readings: Jeremiah 1 v4-10; Psalm 71 v1-6; 1 Corinthians 13 v1-13; Luke 4 21-30. The people of Nazareth turn against Jesus. Luke’s story of the people’s reaction to Jesus declaring that the prophecy of Isaiah had come true in him, (Luke 4 v16-20),…

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time                 Year C                                    23rd January 2022 Lectionary Readings: Nehemiah 8 v1-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12 v12-31a;  Luke 4 v14-21. New Life. The Psalmist writes, “The Law of the Lord is perfect, it gives new life. His teachings last for ever and they give wisdom to ordinary people.” (Psalm 19…

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time               Year C                                     16th January 2022 Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 62 v1-5; Psalm 36 v5-10; 1 Corinthians 12 v1-11; John 2 v1-11. The generosity of God. John wants his readers to be in no doubt that Jesus is the Son of God.  Three times in the first chapter, Jesus’ true identity…

First Sunday in Ordinary Time                   Year C                                     9th January 2022 Lectionary Readings:   Isaiah 43 v1-7;    Psalm 29;    Acts 8 v14-17;    Luke 3 v15-17, 21-22. Symbols of God’s presence. In response to the crowd’s speculation that he might be ‘the Messiah’, John the Baptist said, “I am baptizing with water. But someone more powerful is…

Second Sunday of Christmas.                      Year C                                     2nd January 2022 Lectionary Readings:  Jeremiah 31 v7-14;   Psalm 147 v12-20;   Ephesians 1 v3-14; John 1 v10-18. ‘Rejoice’ The readings this week speak of restoration and healing. God has a plan for our future that will result in lasting peace and harmony between individuals, families, communities and nations.…

First Sunday of Christmas.                          Year C                         26th December 2021 Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 2 v18-20,26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3 v12-17; Luke 2 v41-52. Nurture. At the end of today’s reading from Luke’s gospel, Luke writes, ‘Jesus became wise’ (v52a). Sure, Jesus became wise as he matured, but I don’t think he was wise at…

Fourth Sunday of Advent                             Year C                         19th December 2021 Lectionary Readings:   Micah 5 v2-5a;   Hebrews 10 v5-10;   Luke 1 v39-45 (46-55). An invitation to make a connection. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth. (Luke 1 v41). Why has Luke mentioned the Holy Spirit in…

Third Sunday of Advent                     Year C                                              12th December 2021 Lectionary Readings:   Zephaniah 3 v14-20;   Philippians 4 v4-7;   Luke 3 v7-18. Jumping on the bandwagon. ‘Crowds of people came out to be baptized, but John said to them, “You snakes! Who warned you to run from the coming judgement? Do something to show that you…

Second Sunday of Advent                            Year C                                     5th December 2021 Lectionary readings:   Malachi 3 v1-4;   Philippians 1 v3-11;   Luke 3 v1-6. Being able to see the saving power of God. The prophet Malachi speaking on God’s behalf said; “The messenger you desire is coming with my promise and he is on his way.” (Malachi 3…

First Sunday of Advent                                Year C                                 28th November 2021. Lectionary readings: Jeremiah 33 v14-16;  Psalm 25 v1-10;  1 Thessalonians 3 v9-13;    Luke 21 v25-36. Looking back and moving on. The lectionary readings this week are a curious mix. They seem to be inviting us to look back to our roots, to ponder our…