Let’s say that you are on a boat with all your belongings as you are transferring house. Then there is a big storm and slowly the boat is taking on some water.

There is a logic to grace that is just confounding to the logic of justice. We have all come of age in a time where the logic of justice prevails.

I imagine Jesus chuckling at us as he asks, “If one of you decides to build a tower, will he not first sit down and calculate the outlay to see if he has enough money to complete the project?”

The first reading of today's liturgy and Luke's Gospel account of conducting oneself properly at a wedding feast have a common theme: that of pride versus humility.

Last week, we had a severe earthquake here in Wellington. It struck at about 2:30 in the afternoon with a magnitude of 6.5. 

Martin Luther once wrote, "Can a rock that has been in the sunlight all day not fail to give off warmth and heat at night? Can a Christian who has lived in the sunlight of God's love not fail to give off warmth and love?

“I have come to set the earth on fire.” Friends, these are strong words. 

Life is such a delicate balance. We have always lived on the edge with one toe dangling somewhat half-heartedly into the future and the greater part of ourselves clinging as if magnetized to my present place. That in itself is ironic, for the spot to which we cling was only yesterday.

All three readings of today’s liturgy make reference to material possessions. We live in a world where the wise management of finances, property and possessions is necessary and even praiseworthy, and yet there is a fine line between earning enough and being rich.

One of the best-selling books lately is the “…for Dummies” series. This series is so popular because it has something for everybody.

At this time of year shop-keepers encourage us to celebrate "Christmas in July". Their motive is purely commercial: Get people to buy presents for each other, to have parties…..do things that will boost the economy. In actual fact, though, there's no reason why we shouldn't reflect on the message of Christmas in July, or at any other time of the year.

Friends, this little story of Martha and Mary which is our gospel for this weekend has a way of getting into our minds.

Pleading ignorance seems to be an ancient device.

The Lord of the harvest continually sends each of us into His plentiful harvest to be agents of peace, healing and liberation.

The opening verse sets the tone for this Sunday’s gospel reading “…he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”