Send us a text

This story is unusual because we have two distinct parts. The first part focusses on the advice Jesus gives his disciples and the second part focusses upon their return. When the 72 return,, they are rejoicing after what appears to be a most successful mission.. They are excited about what they saw. It is noteworthy that the first thing the 72 disciples share is about their power. The evil spirits were subservient to them. Jesus redirects them and points out that they should be more excited as their names are listed in heaven. Yes, its power over evil but we are still talking about power. I am reminded of the phrase attributed to Lord Acton in 1887, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Lord Acton was a 19th-century British historian and moralist. Jesus was aware that power can undermine spiritual growth.

Send us a text

Who is Jesus for you?

Jesus asked this question to his disciples. We all know by now that when Jesus asks a question, he already knows the answer and a teaching follows. Today’s reading is no exception. Jesus asks his disciples “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus gets a variety of answers, most people think he is a prophet who has resurrected from the dead. Jesus responds with a new question and takes the questioning to a deeper level as He askes, “Who do YOU say that I am?”.

Your answer matters!

Send us a text

Today, our podcast focusses on one of the multiplication of loaves miracles. Luke begins describing the story with Jesus healing those who needed to be cured. It appears it’s the end of the day, so the disciples want to send the people into the villages to get something to eat and possibly seek lodging.

Rather than sending the people away Jesus suggests that the disciples feed them. This is a beautiful example of when the divine meets our earthly understanding.

Everything for Jesus is a teachable moment. The disciples answer him literally, just five loaves and two fish, certainly not enough to feed 5,000 people. They offer another solution of buying the food, but they realize they do not have the resources for this. The lesson is clear; often a human solution is not enough, and we need the intervention of the Spirit.

Send us a text

The opening section of this Gospel brings to mind 1 Corinthians 13:11, where Paul uses the metaphor of childhood to describe spiritual immaturity: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things.” Spiritual immaturity refers to a stage in which a believer has not yet developed a mature understanding or practice of faith. It is characterized by a lack of discernment between sound doctrine and false teachings, as well as difficulty applying biblical truths in daily life. Spiritually immature believers may exhibit behaviors such as jealousy, strife, selfishness, and a worldly mindset, rather than reflecting Christlike character.

Spiritual immaturity is a natural stage in the Christian journey—no one is born spiritually mature—but Scripture urges believers not to remain in this state. It is important to note that spiritual immaturity is not limited to children; many adults also struggle with it.

Send us a text

To help us understand the Holy Spirit, the reading begins by emphasizing God’s love for us—a recurring and familiar theme in John’s Gospel.

Love inherently involves vulnerability. The more deeply we love, the more at risk we are to being hurt. This vulnerability makes trust essential in any relationship. Trust can be given or earned, and violations of trust can sometimes be irreparable. Conversely, trust built through consistent caring and faithfulness strengthens relationships, though some may find it harder to build trust due to past wounds.

The Gospel speaks of a profound intimacy between God and those who love Him. Jesus often seeks out those who do not yet know Him, but today’s focus is on His longing to be with His people.

Send us a text

Jesus makes some incredible claims, and provides signs of God’s presence amongst his followers, driving out demons, speaking new languages, picking up serpents, drinking poison and miraculous healings, only to name a few. This passage reminds me of the dramatic style of teaching Jesus used to introject passion into his teachings. Remember the scripture passage that speaks of "the dead burying the dead" found in Luke 9:60. Do you remember the scripture passage that speaks of cutting off your hand if it causes you to sin that is found in Matthew 5:29-30 and Mark 9:43-48? Quite dramatic!

What did Jesus mean?

Send us a text

Love is a central and recurring theme in John’s Gospel, and it has been a focus in previous episodes. Love lies at the core of Christian faith. However, I invite you to reflect on whether your image of God is one that is easy to love. Many identify as Christians out of a desire for salvation yet seeking salvation and loving God are not synonymous.

Concerns about salvation often reflect one’s understanding of God. The traditional concept of God demanding the death of His Son as a sacrificial atonement can be difficult to reconcile with the idea of a loving God. While this notion may have resonated in earlier times, many today struggle to accept that redemption is a freely given gift rather than something earned. Genuine love cannot be compelled; it must come from the heart. God desires our love, not merely our outward actions. This may explain why Jesus was able to forgive so readily-He perceived the true condition of the person’s heart.

Send us a text

Jesus’ call to love is not easy, people are so afraid of being taken advantage of or they do not feel love for the person. Is Jesus calling his followers to something they cannot achieve? Are people who are loving more vulnerable to being taken advantage of? Some people act as if they have a finite amount of love to give and so don’t love easily. Rather than focussing on the challenge of loving, I want to focus on your attitudes and skills that may help you respond to Jesus’ call. I can appreciate the challenges so I would like to make suggestions to help you be a more loving person and thus closer to responding to the call to love one another.