advent – stfrancischurchtairuanz

The ‘Why’ of Repentance

We find ourselves once again on the banks of the River Jordan with John the Baptist. We should be used to it by now, but that wild prophet John still jars as a a party-pooper as we look toward Christmas … [to read more, click on title]

Mustard Seed Sunday

The Sunday before Advent is called ‘Stir it up Sunday’, a name which comes from the Book of Common Prayer and possibly dates back to 1549. The words of the Collect that have usually been said on this day are, “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people”. As traditions go, somewhere along the way the metaphor of stirring up the Christmas pudding or cake became a timely fit for the Sunday before Advent … [to read more, click on title]

Anticipation

… that touching scene in Luke of the cousins meeting – Mary and Elizabeth – both now pregnant. Purposeful pregnancies of great and ultimate significance. John and Jesus, second cousins – cuzzie bros – will bring joy, perplexity, tragedy and, finally, triumph to their mothers. And for many down the centuries to now.
Elizabeth’s and Mary’s sons would both die turning the world upside down. [… for more, click on title]

Shock an’ Awe

But … to the main strike point: what about the offensive way John greeted the crowds when they came to see him?! “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance … The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down …”

Bit rough! Did he do this with every speaking engagement? Or just on this particular day that One News was there taking notes? Imagine if I’d started this reflection with, “You brood of vipers”! Even to make a point. For dramatic effect. You’d be shocked. … [For more, click on the title …]