St Mary's

TRANSFIGURATION HOMILY (Luke 9, 28-36)

Jesus’ disciples frequently fail to understand what Jesus was on about.  They get it so wrong at times.  Peter in particular tends to put his foot in it and I suspect James only understood what following Jesus meant when he was executed in Jerusalem some 11 years later.

Together with Peter, James and John, Christ’s inner circle, his most spiritual disciples, Jesus went up the sacred mountain, which most likely was the almost 3000 metre high Mount Hermon, some 20 km away from Ceasarea Phillipi, a day’s walk.  Even if they went half way up the mountain, the climb would have been exhausting.  I tell you I valued my comfy bed recently after climbing 1400 metres up the Pyrenees at the beginning of my Pilgrimage.

- A seminar exploring the way ahead for progressive Christianity

Connect with others seeking to live authentic Christian lives in the 21st century within and beyond the Christian expression of spirituality.

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Flyer Reg 2013

From HuffingtonPost.co.uk by Terry Sanderson Posted: 11/02/2013 12:42

And so we are to see an end to the rule of Joseph Ratzinger at the Vatican. At such times it is usual to break out into a chorus of Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead from The Wizard of Oz, but we fear that Ratzinger’s successor will be as bad, if not worse, than the man himself.

Ratzinger has ruled for decades at the Vatican, even before he became Pope. He was chief inquisitor under the rule of John Paul II, and as the old Pope’s health failed, Ratzinger ramped up the reactionary agenda. (Not that John Paul II was any slouch at authoritarianism and bigotry).

When I was first ordained (not so long ago, at least in my mind) I was sent to the small town of Goondiwindi on the border of Queensland and New South Wales, about a 4 ½ hour drive south west of Brisbane.

For many years it was a town famous for sheep and wheat and a champion racehorse called Gunsynd (the Goondiwindi Grey in the song by Slim Dusty)

Book REVIEW for Journey

By Noel Preston Jan 25, 2013 (n.preston @griffith.edu.au)

TITLE: Against the Stream  Author: Rex Hunt Publisher:Mosaic Press, Preston, Vic. 2012  RRRP: ????

The Marathon

A few months ago now I was talking to Peter Kennedy about one of my sporting passions which is running.  Peter was asking if I had any upcoming events and I told him that I was training up for a marathon.  I talked about the enjoyment I got from running which includes long training runs on mountain trails and I spoke about the contemplative dimension this held for me.

John’s Gospel 2:1-12 tells us that the ministry of Jesus is of this world, at water wells, in the markets, in everyday places, and everyday events such as weddings. For the Jewish people, wine in the Old Testament symbolized divine abundance; the Kingdom of God being that realm of abundance.

Happy New Year!

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps.

“Where would you like to sit?” he asked politely.

“The front row please,” she answered.

A PILGRIMAGE

My name is Ingerid Meagher and I have been a co-journeyer with you at St Mary’s in Exile for the past twelve years.

Like Phil Standen, who gave a homily in March this year on his experience of the Camino, I also walked “The Way of St James”, The Camino de Santiago (Camino is Spanish for Walk). I too am eager to share my perspective on the journey and some of my experiences and insights.

Having read the verses from Luke I am reminded of the special place of all children in the eyes of God.  Further I recall Jesus’s saying ‘that we are all made in the likeness of God.’ It tells me of the important role that we as adults have to enable all children, regardless of their background to achieve their potentials.

Hello my name is Catherine, I am a visitor to this beautiful country. I am especially thankful to have the opportunity to attend service in your church where I feel the attempts to put the Gospels into living action. I attend a church back home where I believe we attempt to do the same; although it is not always easy.