Category Archives: sermon

Second thoughts

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

Mary did not float through her pregnancy without her swollen feet touching the ground. When Mary returned to her senses, the bread was burning, and she nearly took the skin off her hands snatching it from the fire in a … Continue reading →

Posted in advent meditations, lectionary reflection, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Year C Advent 3: Rejoice anyway

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The rose candle is lit – if one is used – and the readings rejoice in God our saviour. Gaudete! Rejoice always, as the letter to the Philippians commands. And … Continue reading →

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The letter of Zephaniah to the Philippians, as recorded in the Gospel of John the Baptist according to Luke

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, you brood of vipers! Rejoice in the Lord and exult with all your heart! Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lesser known legends of St Nicolas

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

Nikolai was born in Demre, Turkey, formerly known as Myra. Nikolai was born into a wealthy family, but he was orphaned at a young age and raised by monks at a local orphanage. When he came of age, Nikolai travelled … Continue reading →

Posted in homily, story | Tagged | Leave a comment

Preaching peace unpeacefully

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

I preached peace anyway; the peace that passes understanding; the peace with which Jesus leaves us, although he spent a lot of time, too, promising persecution. I worry that this will not be received as good news. Continue reading →

Posted in current events, homily, prayer | Leave a comment

Year C Advent 1: a new thing

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for this Advent. I am ready for God to do a new thing, which is what Advent is about: God breaking through our routines and rituals and riots and routs to … Continue reading →

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Christ the King: preaching the parable of the kingdoms

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

My kingdom, says Jesus, is not from this world. We pray, constantly, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, because the kingdom of Christ is not from this world, but this world needs it, badly. If my kingdom … Continue reading →

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

My kingdom is not of this world

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

A pre-Advent poem for Christ the King The flag I did not come with fire and flood, but with tender fingertips, in flesh and squalling hunger biting through your resignation, splitting hearts and breaking glory down into its humblest parts, … Continue reading →

Posted in advent meditations, holy days, lectionary reflection, poetry, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Year B Proper 28: apocalypse, now and then

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

They will not defeat the will of God, which is not destruction, but creation; not devastation, but resurrection. They are not the ending to the Jesus story. Continue reading →

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lullaby for the end of the world

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Rosalind C Hughes

This Sunday’s readings are a little apocalyptic; whether one reads Daniel and Mark, or Hannah’s proto-Magnificat, change is in the air, and much of it alarming. Jürgen Moltmann believes that the Christian should not be afraid of the end of … Continue reading →

Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment