Jesus: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”
Why is Jesus blatantly declaring this? What is he hoping to accomplish?
Changed hearts
Changed minds
Changed Actions
Changed Lives.
Repentance gives us a different way of living.
Not the worldly ways:
But Godly ways.
And when we choose to live as the baptised
(not one day, but every day)
We show the world our repentance
And that we take seriously God’s love at the foundation of our lives.
To love: boldly. Regardless of the cost.
Following Jesus is not meant to be symbolic, or performative.
It’s not about wearing a cross or holding a bible to demonstrate an allegiance;
it’s about putting our lives visibly as agents of love, of justice, of peace.
This weekend – in Minnesota - that looked like faith leaders kneeling in prayer and singing hymns against the violence of government agents – even as they were arrested.
It doesn’t take much, in our society, in our world, to see opportunities to stand up for justice.
For the vulnerable
The oppressed
The weak
The lonely
The fearful
The grieving.
And so we are called to repent.
To change:
As we both pray for the kingdom of heaven to come near
And as we act in ways to facilitate and celebrate that the kingdom of God HAS come near.
Call to repentance is call to baptism
Baptism means giving things up as well as taking things on…
We think of the newness of asking the Spirit for gifts, for blessings, for community, etc.
But also the shedding of the former ways. Not necessarily bad; but different.
A call answered by James and John
Shedding of their boat and nets –
Also shed employment, business, inheritance
Changed their relationship with family:
Walked away from father and business and community
We don’t know how it affected them; perhaps Zebedee was so overjoyed he didn’t mind finding new workers and no longer having heirs to the business.
But it was different.
Following Jesus changes us.
Because we repent: we change our hearts.
We look to God – and God alone –
as our moral compass,
our Guiding light,
our hope,
and our salvation.
This call to follow Jesus brings us together: in unity.
Not uniformity: but unity. (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity)
Paul’s appeal “that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.”
Bringing all our differences together in prayer and worship.
We pray as one: for peace and justice to prevail.
For the confidence to stand up against all forms of evil that the world shows us.
For the truth that needs to be heard is this:
The darkness will not win.
It Cannot win:
For we carry the light.
It’s what God called us to do:
It’s what we do as people of faith.
We are called: each and every one of us:
Each and every day
Each and every encounter
Each and every opportunity to act in love.
So let us repent: AND REJOICE
For the kingdom of God is ALWAYS coming near.
25 January 2026
Sermon, Epi+2 (Year A)
Most of you will have heard me say, from time to time, that Jesus is the answer: whatever the question – the answer is Jesus.
We know that’s not always the best answer, however.
Sometimes, when we ask questions, there’s a simple answer. 2+2=4
Other times, however, a question asked will lead to another question, which can then lead to further questioning. And exploring, as each question reveals a new layer of asking. Trying to sort out what’s happening.
Always at a deeper level; not out of nosiness, but out of a deepening curiosity and desire to understand.
But: sometimes the more we understand, the more we become engaged. The more involved we are. The more our hearts draw us toward something – which may mean being changed.
The more we know, the more we realise we don’t know; and the more we know – the more we want to know.
So in today’s Gospel we have John speaking about his cousin, and then speaking with some of his friends (Andrew and someone else - unnamed).
And their conversation with Jesus is rather striking.
It’s simplistic; and yet rich in opportunity.
Jesus, seeing he is being followed, doesn’t start with a question like we might: “Can I help you?” or “What do you want?”
Instead he offers the very open-ended inquiry: “What are you looking for?”
He knows they’re not looking for a landmark, or a person even. They’re not following him for directions, or because he’s celebrity.
What are you looking for.
What a great question to ask ourselves:
What are we looking for: in our lives, in our employment, in our relationships, in our faith.
What are you looking for?
Which could, of course, lead us to ponder if we’re looking in the right way.
But back to our disciples.
Because they respond to Jesus with another question; which at first doesn’t seem to fit.
It certainly doesn’t tell him what they were looking for.
Instead, they respond with a very important statement of relationship:
they call him Rabbi.
Rabbi: meaning teacher.
And a teacher, of course, is someone they want to learn from.
So when they ask him where he is staying, they are indicating that they want to learn from him; to be in dialogue with him, to journey alongside him. They want to know more.
And asking him where he is staying is a full question: they don’t mean staying for lunch, or overnight, or for vacation. They’re asking him where he dwells – where he lives:
Where he calls home.
And again – Jesus’ answer is both a response and a non-response:
For he doesn’t even respond to their naming him as their teacher, and he doesn’t identify tell them where he is staying.
Instead, he invites them deeper:
Come and See.
Come and see carries with it the invitation to see his rooms – which they do;
And it carries the invitation to see HIM. His mission, his life, his love, his Good News.
So when the disciples follow him, knowing that they’re shifting from being John’s disciples to Jesus’ disciples – they’re doing so with courage. With faith.
Because they are entering into a deeper relationship.
They are willing to be changed by the experience.
To see more; the know more; to do more.
To hear the calling of God more clearly than they had before.
To discern more robustly how they are meant to bear the Good News.
Come and see is a powerful few words that inspire a lifetime of change.
For when we see something new, or see something old in a new way, we may have to admit that we didn’t already have all the answers.
And oh my goodness, who among us hasn’t sat at that precipice, wondering if we want to just go back to our prior state of un-knowing (despite realising that we really can’t go back, we’ll only be pretending); or to take the plunge into the unknown – eager to learn more.
With Jesus, we know that the knowing is life-changing: and for the better. Increasing our understanding of God’s grace and mercy can only help to improve our lives; encouraging us to live in ways that are fulfilling and faith-fuelled.
Knowing that as we are changed, we will also become agents of change.
For knowing Jesus – means we will tell others about Jesus as well.
From the first encounter – Andrew shows us how easy it is, when he invites his brother Simon.
We have seen the Messiah – the anointed – the holy one.
And instantly, Simon is changed – his name becoming Peter – a word that was never used as a name before: Peter, the rock, the solid foundation.
He came; he saw; he was changed.
So today we are reminded to come and see: and to be changed.
For the Lord formed us to be his servants, his helpers; to bring others to him. (as the prophet Isaiah writes)
And Paul reminds us of how easy it is to share this Good invitation, as he writes to a whole community affirming that they are sanctified in the Lord; that “In every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…You are not lacking in any spiritual gift.”
And here we are. All of us: who came this morning, seeking:
Seeking solace, community, and Christ.
In the prayers, in the eucharist, in the shared experience of worship.
Here, we find Jesus; here, Jesus finds us.
And from here we go into the world, encouraged and encouraging; hopeful, and hoping; blessed, and blessing; for we have responded to the call to come and see.
Thanks be to God.
We know that’s not always the best answer, however.
Sometimes, when we ask questions, there’s a simple answer. 2+2=4
Other times, however, a question asked will lead to another question, which can then lead to further questioning. And exploring, as each question reveals a new layer of asking. Trying to sort out what’s happening.
Always at a deeper level; not out of nosiness, but out of a deepening curiosity and desire to understand.
But: sometimes the more we understand, the more we become engaged. The more involved we are. The more our hearts draw us toward something – which may mean being changed.
The more we know, the more we realise we don’t know; and the more we know – the more we want to know.
So in today’s Gospel we have John speaking about his cousin, and then speaking with some of his friends (Andrew and someone else - unnamed).
And their conversation with Jesus is rather striking.
It’s simplistic; and yet rich in opportunity.
Jesus, seeing he is being followed, doesn’t start with a question like we might: “Can I help you?” or “What do you want?”
Instead he offers the very open-ended inquiry: “What are you looking for?”
He knows they’re not looking for a landmark, or a person even. They’re not following him for directions, or because he’s celebrity.
What are you looking for.
What a great question to ask ourselves:
What are we looking for: in our lives, in our employment, in our relationships, in our faith.
What are you looking for?
Which could, of course, lead us to ponder if we’re looking in the right way.
But back to our disciples.
Because they respond to Jesus with another question; which at first doesn’t seem to fit.
It certainly doesn’t tell him what they were looking for.
Instead, they respond with a very important statement of relationship:
they call him Rabbi.
Rabbi: meaning teacher.
And a teacher, of course, is someone they want to learn from.
So when they ask him where he is staying, they are indicating that they want to learn from him; to be in dialogue with him, to journey alongside him. They want to know more.
And asking him where he is staying is a full question: they don’t mean staying for lunch, or overnight, or for vacation. They’re asking him where he dwells – where he lives:
Where he calls home.
And again – Jesus’ answer is both a response and a non-response:
For he doesn’t even respond to their naming him as their teacher, and he doesn’t identify tell them where he is staying.
Instead, he invites them deeper:
Come and See.
Come and see carries with it the invitation to see his rooms – which they do;
And it carries the invitation to see HIM. His mission, his life, his love, his Good News.
So when the disciples follow him, knowing that they’re shifting from being John’s disciples to Jesus’ disciples – they’re doing so with courage. With faith.
Because they are entering into a deeper relationship.
They are willing to be changed by the experience.
To see more; the know more; to do more.
To hear the calling of God more clearly than they had before.
To discern more robustly how they are meant to bear the Good News.
Come and see is a powerful few words that inspire a lifetime of change.
For when we see something new, or see something old in a new way, we may have to admit that we didn’t already have all the answers.
And oh my goodness, who among us hasn’t sat at that precipice, wondering if we want to just go back to our prior state of un-knowing (despite realising that we really can’t go back, we’ll only be pretending); or to take the plunge into the unknown – eager to learn more.
With Jesus, we know that the knowing is life-changing: and for the better. Increasing our understanding of God’s grace and mercy can only help to improve our lives; encouraging us to live in ways that are fulfilling and faith-fuelled.
Knowing that as we are changed, we will also become agents of change.
For knowing Jesus – means we will tell others about Jesus as well.
From the first encounter – Andrew shows us how easy it is, when he invites his brother Simon.
We have seen the Messiah – the anointed – the holy one.
And instantly, Simon is changed – his name becoming Peter – a word that was never used as a name before: Peter, the rock, the solid foundation.
He came; he saw; he was changed.
So today we are reminded to come and see: and to be changed.
For the Lord formed us to be his servants, his helpers; to bring others to him. (as the prophet Isaiah writes)
And Paul reminds us of how easy it is to share this Good invitation, as he writes to a whole community affirming that they are sanctified in the Lord; that “In every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…You are not lacking in any spiritual gift.”
And here we are. All of us: who came this morning, seeking:
Seeking solace, community, and Christ.
In the prayers, in the eucharist, in the shared experience of worship.
Here, we find Jesus; here, Jesus finds us.
And from here we go into the world, encouraged and encouraging; hopeful, and hoping; blessed, and blessing; for we have responded to the call to come and see.
Thanks be to God.
17 January 2026
Sermon Notes, Baptism of Jesus (Year A)
Baptism - Extravagance!
Not normally the descriptor...
- simple elements
- accessible
- initiation
Context matters! - dessert - water is life
living water - springs - abundance
MIKVEH
- natural source water, living water
- ritual immersion
- size for full immersion - dimensions of size, volume, 144 eggs
- Spiritual Cleansing - often after life events
Process: to make right
- right with self
- right with others
- right with God
Christian liturgy follows this process/journey
- confession
- peace
- eucharist
Baptism: renewal of vows and covenant
- renew faith
- reconnect community
- reengage ministry
thus:
extravagance of GRACE
- fully included (God shows no partiality)
- fully loved (in all of us, God delights)
- fully encouraged! To live the possibility and potential of serv ice to everyone with whom our souls connect - i.e. everyone.
Baptism of Jesus: celebrates baptism of grace - renewal of ourselves in the extravagance of God's grace.
05 January 2026
Epiphany Sermon (Year A)
This morning, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany –
That Ah-HA! moment where the divinity of Jesus is being made known clearly and broadly…
For some – this is amazing news, the fulfillment of the prophesy from Isaiah – Arise, shine, for your light has come! The promise of a Messiah, a Saviour – a light shining into the darkness of the world – this is great news.
For others, it is not welcome. Herod, for example, is now realising that his worst fears are more than just fears.
Another ruler – being sought out by magi – the seers from afar, the folks who are in tune with the other-worldly signs – that apparently Herod’s own advisors and supporters have not recognised or shared with him.
It’s no wonder that the magi are warned not to reconnect with Herod before the headed back to their homes.
Choosing to go another way – both physically, by roads that did not go back to the centre of town; but also culturally, as they ignore the societal norm of announcing their departure as a means of protecting Jesus’ family, and likely themselves, from coming into harm.
So the divinity is becoming known. Even while still a young child, Jesus causes great struggle and controversy: as his mere presence shines a light on those who would serve God – and on those who would serve empire.
It’s sadly, a division that continues to exist in our world today;
as we hear of wars and conflicts,
of devastation as distraction,
of rulers overstepping their bounds and rights to exert violence and control.
The complexity of international politics and governance remains a delicate and brutal place;
the justifications and excuses as human rights and dignities are stripped away at alarming rates.
We know the news this weekend has not been that of peace; we pray for safety in the week ahead.
And part of what can bring us through the horrors of the headlines that we read is that same thing that brought the magi to their intended purpose in God’s story – and took them away, we presume safely home.
How they teach us to do that is three-fold:
:Keeping our focus on God
:Using and sharing the gifts that we have been called to share
:Staying faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News
So let’s consider the inclusion of the magi in Matthew’s account of the early life of Jesus for what it is – a lesson to us all as we encounter the divine.
For the magi, the long-awaited prophesy of a light coming into the world was likely not culturally central to them: these folks were not Jewish, they were not local, they were not involved in the tradition that was waiting on that light.
What they were is faithful: they knew that when a star appears, moving differently than the other stars; shining more brilliantly than they’d ever seen… clearly the creator of the universe was trying to send a message.
And so they responded: coming from their home countries, in their own timelines, with their own entourages, doing the best they could to be faithful to God, and respectful of local custom.
Yet when they introduced themselves to Herod, and realised this was not going to be a “good guy” in the history; they renewed their faithfulness to God.
They didn’t start conflict with Herod – they knew that wouldn’t help – but they opted not to follow his directions moving forward.
Their resistance to Herod’s violence can inspire those of us looking for our own way forward in the world.
Then, the using and sharing of gifts.
We learn of three gifts that are offered: each portable, valuable, and marketable: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Let’s consider them for a moment:
GOLD, we know, is a precious metal, to this day a valuable commodity. Our society even set a standard by it – our currency exchanges are based on it – and around the world, the attraction of gold remains now much as it did in biblical times.
The gift of Gold is a symbol of financial stability – security, even. It was what may have funded the flight into Egypt for Jesus’ family, and provided their physical well-being in those tumultuous times.
The gift of financial means that we have today allows us to engage in ministry; to assist those experiencing need; to reach out to the community; to be a house of prayer for all who seek it.
FRANKINCENSE was a rare and extremely fragrant resin that took time and skill to procure; burned in worship as an offering or oblation to God in the temple. To smell this type of incense reminded people of holy things, orienting their hearts and minds to prayer.
Frankincense was a call to prayer and to spiritual solace, a sensual reminder of the home place, of communal connection with God and with one another.
For Mary and Joseph, this rooted their souls in the people and traditions that they had left, and would need to flee from.
For us, we carry with us reminders of our own spiritual journey: of people and experiences that have formed us; of the Holy Spirit speaking to us in ways we cannot fully explain (or maybe even understand) – but that we know were holy. Of our shared ministries: of prayer, of companionship, of kindness, of love.
Finally: MYRRH. A rare spice that came from far-off regions of Arabia. It was mysterious and pungent and bitter – and used as part of the anointing practices at time of burial. It spoke of Jesus’ humanity, foreshadowing what was to come, and confirming for Mary what she had been told all along.
While myrrh denotes the symbolism of death, we also see within it a practice of intentionality, compassion, and caring. The respectful preparation of earthly remains shows a gift of time and tradition, this practice took time and experience to learn, and was a blessing from the women to use it properly, with the ones deeply loved, despite their own personal grief and suffering.
From our own relationships, we honour each other with our attentive presence, and with the sharing of our time and skills.
Truly, these gifts to the Holy Family also inspire us to consider the gifts that we have received, and the gifts that God invites us to share.
Gold: the gift of financial treasure.
Frankincense: the gift of spiritual treasure.
Myrrh: the gift of relationship treasure.
Which of course brings us to the third teaching of the magi: The reminder and encouragement to Stay faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News.
For we all share the opportunity to share the good news: of how the light and glory of God is brighter than any of the darkness creeping in.
So as we begin this new year, let us ponder anew how we can use the gifts that we have been given to make the world a healthier, happier, holier place.
We can shine the light; because we have received it.
We can act in love; because we are loved.
We can extend great joy; because we are joy-filled.
And we can arise and shine; because the glory of the Lord is upon us all.
Wherever our road takes us, may we be faithful in our journey, never forgetting the Good News that has been gifted to us.
Amen.
That Ah-HA! moment where the divinity of Jesus is being made known clearly and broadly…
For some – this is amazing news, the fulfillment of the prophesy from Isaiah – Arise, shine, for your light has come! The promise of a Messiah, a Saviour – a light shining into the darkness of the world – this is great news.
For others, it is not welcome. Herod, for example, is now realising that his worst fears are more than just fears.
Another ruler – being sought out by magi – the seers from afar, the folks who are in tune with the other-worldly signs – that apparently Herod’s own advisors and supporters have not recognised or shared with him.
It’s no wonder that the magi are warned not to reconnect with Herod before the headed back to their homes.
Choosing to go another way – both physically, by roads that did not go back to the centre of town; but also culturally, as they ignore the societal norm of announcing their departure as a means of protecting Jesus’ family, and likely themselves, from coming into harm.
So the divinity is becoming known. Even while still a young child, Jesus causes great struggle and controversy: as his mere presence shines a light on those who would serve God – and on those who would serve empire.
It’s sadly, a division that continues to exist in our world today;
as we hear of wars and conflicts,
of devastation as distraction,
of rulers overstepping their bounds and rights to exert violence and control.
The complexity of international politics and governance remains a delicate and brutal place;
the justifications and excuses as human rights and dignities are stripped away at alarming rates.
We know the news this weekend has not been that of peace; we pray for safety in the week ahead.
And part of what can bring us through the horrors of the headlines that we read is that same thing that brought the magi to their intended purpose in God’s story – and took them away, we presume safely home.
How they teach us to do that is three-fold:
:Keeping our focus on God
:Using and sharing the gifts that we have been called to share
:Staying faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News
So let’s consider the inclusion of the magi in Matthew’s account of the early life of Jesus for what it is – a lesson to us all as we encounter the divine.
For the magi, the long-awaited prophesy of a light coming into the world was likely not culturally central to them: these folks were not Jewish, they were not local, they were not involved in the tradition that was waiting on that light.
What they were is faithful: they knew that when a star appears, moving differently than the other stars; shining more brilliantly than they’d ever seen… clearly the creator of the universe was trying to send a message.
And so they responded: coming from their home countries, in their own timelines, with their own entourages, doing the best they could to be faithful to God, and respectful of local custom.
Yet when they introduced themselves to Herod, and realised this was not going to be a “good guy” in the history; they renewed their faithfulness to God.
They didn’t start conflict with Herod – they knew that wouldn’t help – but they opted not to follow his directions moving forward.
Their resistance to Herod’s violence can inspire those of us looking for our own way forward in the world.
Then, the using and sharing of gifts.
We learn of three gifts that are offered: each portable, valuable, and marketable: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Let’s consider them for a moment:
GOLD, we know, is a precious metal, to this day a valuable commodity. Our society even set a standard by it – our currency exchanges are based on it – and around the world, the attraction of gold remains now much as it did in biblical times.
The gift of Gold is a symbol of financial stability – security, even. It was what may have funded the flight into Egypt for Jesus’ family, and provided their physical well-being in those tumultuous times.
The gift of financial means that we have today allows us to engage in ministry; to assist those experiencing need; to reach out to the community; to be a house of prayer for all who seek it.
FRANKINCENSE was a rare and extremely fragrant resin that took time and skill to procure; burned in worship as an offering or oblation to God in the temple. To smell this type of incense reminded people of holy things, orienting their hearts and minds to prayer.
Frankincense was a call to prayer and to spiritual solace, a sensual reminder of the home place, of communal connection with God and with one another.
For Mary and Joseph, this rooted their souls in the people and traditions that they had left, and would need to flee from.
For us, we carry with us reminders of our own spiritual journey: of people and experiences that have formed us; of the Holy Spirit speaking to us in ways we cannot fully explain (or maybe even understand) – but that we know were holy. Of our shared ministries: of prayer, of companionship, of kindness, of love.
Finally: MYRRH. A rare spice that came from far-off regions of Arabia. It was mysterious and pungent and bitter – and used as part of the anointing practices at time of burial. It spoke of Jesus’ humanity, foreshadowing what was to come, and confirming for Mary what she had been told all along.
While myrrh denotes the symbolism of death, we also see within it a practice of intentionality, compassion, and caring. The respectful preparation of earthly remains shows a gift of time and tradition, this practice took time and experience to learn, and was a blessing from the women to use it properly, with the ones deeply loved, despite their own personal grief and suffering.
From our own relationships, we honour each other with our attentive presence, and with the sharing of our time and skills.
Truly, these gifts to the Holy Family also inspire us to consider the gifts that we have received, and the gifts that God invites us to share.
Gold: the gift of financial treasure.
Frankincense: the gift of spiritual treasure.
Myrrh: the gift of relationship treasure.
Which of course brings us to the third teaching of the magi: The reminder and encouragement to Stay faithful to our role as messengers of God’s Good News.
For we all share the opportunity to share the good news: of how the light and glory of God is brighter than any of the darkness creeping in.
So as we begin this new year, let us ponder anew how we can use the gifts that we have been given to make the world a healthier, happier, holier place.
We can shine the light; because we have received it.
We can act in love; because we are loved.
We can extend great joy; because we are joy-filled.
And we can arise and shine; because the glory of the Lord is upon us all.
Wherever our road takes us, may we be faithful in our journey, never forgetting the Good News that has been gifted to us.
Amen.
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