Posts Tagged ‘healing’
B144 – Pentecost 22 (Proper 25)
Sean and Fran explore the final episode in the book of Job (42:1-6; 10-17), noting the ‘happily ever after’ narrative resolution, the pastoral minefield that this poses in preaching, and the apparent theological inconsistency that Job’s blessing represents. We emphasise the vulnerability Job displays in his story and how counter cultural that is for wealthy,…
Read MoreB140 – Pentecost 18, Proper 21
Sally Douglas continues in the co-host chair this week, Pentecost 18. She and Fran talk about the enigmatic and troubling story of Esther (7:1-6, 9-10). We note the dynamics of diaspora; the role of human ingenuity and faithfulness in the face of appalling oppression, and name the challenges and possibilities of preaching from Esther. James…
Read MoreB117 – Easter 3 (Acts 3:12-19, Luke 24:36-48)
Kylie Crabbe returns to discuss the reaction to Peter healing a man with a mobility impairment in Acts 3. This is a conversation between Jews (Peter and other Israelites) about the nature of God’s power and the continuity between God’s action in the past and in Jesus. Glorifying God and the invitation to repentance are…
Read MoreB112 – Lent 4 (Num 21:4-9, John 3:14-21)
Dorothy Lee joins us to unpack the themes and theology of John 3. We begin with the Numbers reading, looking at the people’s grumbling, the difficulty of transition, and the strange use of snakes as both punishment and redemption from punishment. Metaphorically, the lack of trust in God is poisonous for the community. John 3…
Read MoreB107 – Epiphany 5 (Mk 1:29-34, Isaiah 40:21-31)
Both readings this week give profound insight into the nature of God in diverse and complementary ways. Robyn and Fran talk about “Jesus the exorcist” in Mark’s gospel and how healing and exorcism are signs of the capacity of Jesus to liberate humanity from evil. Isaiah 40 poses the question “to whom can you liken…
Read MoreB106 – Epiphany 4 (Mk 1:21-28, 1 Cor 8, Dt 18:15-20)
Authority and identity emerge as key themes in Mark 1:21-28 as Jesus is portrayed as one powerful enough to cast out evil and liberate people from the power of evil. This is Mark’s Good News! We unpack ancient ideas of ‘unclean spirits’ or demons and discuss how our preaching and teaching might aspire to be…
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