Scripture for the last Sunday after Epiphany: Exodus 24.12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1.16-21; Matthew 17.1-9 (Transfiguration) There are some very basic human skills that we never seem quite to develop as fully as we might wish. Two of these would be listening and waiting. At the transfiguration of Jesus, his disciples are told, “Listen […]
Archive | February, 2020
Theme for Sunday, 16 February 2020
Scripture for this Sunday: Sirach 15.15-20; Psalm 119.1-8; 1 Corinthians 3.1-9; Matthew 5.21-37 Apparently, late US President Harry Truman, in frustration at equivocating economists, said: “Give me a one-handed economist. All my economists say, ‘On the one hand … on the other.’” He must have found some warmth in Jesus’ words about being direct and unequivocal, […]
Theme for Sunday, 9 February 2020
Scripture for the fifth Sunday of Epiphany: Isaiah 58.1–9a; Psalm 112.1–9; 1 Corinthians 2.1–12; Matthew 5.13–20. Apparently the most memorable thing that I have said about salt and scripture is to mention the Flor de Fornells gourmet salt products from reclaimed salt mines Menorca. Otherwise, salt seems to be something that we generally just take […]
Intinction, Flu & Coronavirus
Intinction (dipping the wafer into the chalice) and CoronavirusThe latest virus which is causing concern among communities has once again raised the issue of intinction at communion. We have in the last few days news of a case in Spain, and suspected contact with the virus by someone returning to Mallorca. Following Synod last week, […]
Lent Study 2020: Another Story Must Begin
Another Story Must Begin is an original Lent course based on the film, the novel and the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Through discussion of some of the themes and principal characters of the narrative, the course explores the grace of God, alongside the fallen state of humanity and opportunities for redemption. The […]
Gibraltar Archdeaconry Synod 2020
This summary has been slightly adapted from the Diocesan news item covering the Synod. In sunny, temperate conditions that make other parts of the diocese envious, about 120 synod delegates and guests gathered at La Zenia in Spain for the annual Synod of the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar from 27 to 31 January. The theme for […]
Theme for Sunday, 2 February 2020
Scripture for the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Purification of Mary (Candlemas)Malachi 3.1–5; Psalm 24.7-10; Hebrews 2.14–18; Luke 2.22–40 After a week at Archdeaconry Synod, with more than one hundred other chaplaincy representatives, and a theme of ‘Caring for Creation,’ we return to celebrate the Presentation of Christ in […]
Readings for February 2020
Readings for the services of Holy Communion on Sundays and Wednesdays during February. 2 February – Presentation of Christ in the Temple Malachi 3.1–5; Psalm 24.7-10; Hebrews 2.14–18; Luke 2.22–40 5 February 2 Samuel 24.2, 9–17; Psalm 32.1–8; Mark 6.1–6a 9 February – Epiphany 5 Isaiah 58.1–9a; Psalm 112.1–9; 1 Corinthians 2.1–12; Matthew 5.13–20 12 February 1 Kings 10.1–10; […]