Some of us are instinctively suspicious of dramatic and emotionally-charged moments in religion (and in life); others are addicted to those times, relentlessly pursuing them and impatient with the mundane. Perhaps drama and routine are needed; perhaps they inform one another. In this reflection, we ask what wisdom we can find when we consider the place of miracles in Jesus’ ministry.
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Updates from Whirlow
Measuring Up - what 'greatness' meant to Jesus.
It is difficult - if not impossible - to avoid feeling pressurised by cultural expectations. In this age of instant communication and social media influencers, we can become exhausted by invitations to compare ourselves. We want to measure up; to be the greatest in some acknowledged way. This reflection contemplates the word ‘great’ and invites you to ask what it means - to you.
Read MoreGideon's Identity Crisis: Who is God? Who am I?!
Many of us lack confidence and experience Imposter Syndrome. If we claim religious faith, this can deter us from acting on God’s call - we want to be sure we have not misheard. And that is ok. But, sometimes, as Gideon’s story teaches us, our natural feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty are really not the point.
Read MoreAre These Weeds or Flowers? A parable about the end times.
Jesus warned us against judging others - and this is almost impossible. Instinctively, human beings want to rid themselves of unpleasant news and experiences by categorising them as ‘bad’. Today’s reflection looks at a story from the Gospel of Matthew, in which we are reminded that we do not always know how to distinguish between good and evil.
Read MoreFinding Rest for the Weary
Exhortations to ‘keep calm’, ‘take care’ or just to rest are all around us. They sound so simple and inviting. But this, too, requires commitment. We invite you to give yourself the gift of taking a step towards - rather than reaching - these elusive places of calm, self-care or rest.
Read MoreSeriously spiritual apostles? Finding the funny in Acts Chapter 12
We might perceive scripture and the biblical characters within it as rather solemn. Today’s reflection looks at a funny (?) story about one of Christianity’s greatest heroes - an olden-day Dwayne Johnson - Simon ‘The Rock’ Peter.r.
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