“The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” (Genesis 32:22-24) It’s […]
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Wrestling with God Read More »
“He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field” (Matthew 13:31) Thus begins the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which is one of a series of short stories featured in this week’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13. In sermons past I’ve
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
The Kingdom of Heaven is a Mess Read More »
“[Jesus] put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So, when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well.”(Matthew
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Sorting the wheat from the weeds Read More »
“And [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.” (Matthew 13:3-4) Thus begins the ‘Parable of the Sower’ – a story Jesus told about a farmer who carefully ploughs his
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Let anyone with ears listen Read More »
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Greetings, Fighter. These words of Jesus are referred to in the Anglican liturgy as the ‘words of assurance’ and I read them every week when I invite you to join me in the Eucharist.
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
I will give you rest Read More »
“God said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” (Genesis 22:2) Greetings, Fighter. So begins the story of Abraham’s journey to sacrifice of his son, Isaac. It is
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Fear and Trembling Read More »
“Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1) Greetings, Fighter, “Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound?”. That may sound like a question that only a true religious nerd would ask but it’s actually something we have all thought about. In the East they call it
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Greetings, Fighter, This maxim
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Suffering and hope Read More »
“But when [Jesus] heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13) Greetings, Fighter, The statement from Jesus that appears above
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Lifting up the Lowly Read More »
“Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet they are not three eternals
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Celebrating the Incomprehensible Read More »
