Alison Talks Faith: Recent Episodes
Alison Sampson
The more things change, the more we need ancient texts which comfort, challenge and critique a world falling apart. Discover how old stories speak into modern lives, politics and culture, and how there's room in this faith for everyone.
A rainbow reading, and other stories.
A reflection on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 9 August 2026 (Proper 14 Year A)
Through struggle, we are transformed.
A reflection on Genesis 32:22-31 shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 2 August 2026 (Proper 13 Year A).
Notes on sibling rivalry.
A reflection on Genesis 29:15-30, shared with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 July 2026 (Proper 12 Year A).
On weeds, seeds, scoundrels, and descendants like dandelions.
Reflecting on Genesis 28:10-22 and Matthew 13:24-43 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 July 2026 (Proper 11 Year A).
Could a common story interrupt thirty centuries of violence?
Reflecting on Genesis 12:1-9 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 June 2026 (Pentecost 2 Year A).
It seems doubt is part and parcel with faith: and this should be deeply encouraging.
Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 31 May 2026 (Trinity Year A).
In the face of climate catastrophe, seek the welfare of your place. One from the archives, revisited.
Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:4-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 12 October 2025 (Proper 23 Year C, extended reading).
How much faith is enough?
Reflecting on Luke 17:5-10 and Lamentations 3:22-23 with Manningham Uniting Church, 5 October 2025 (Proper 22 Year C).
On fancy backpacks, fine merino briefs and the responsibilities of the global rich.
Reflecting on Luke 16:19-31 with Manningham Uniting Church, 28 September 2025 (Proper 21 Year C).
On flea bombs, sick kids, old wardrobes, the grim reaper – and resurrection life!
Shared with Box Hill Baptist Church on 21 September 2025.
Sometimes, it takes a while to say yes.
Reflecting on Luke 15 with Manningham Uniting Church, 14 September 2025 (Proper 19/Pentecost 14, Year C).
Discipleship knows no age limits.
Reflecting on Psalm 1 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 September 2025 (Proper 18/Pentecost 13, Year C).
How faith nearly tore my family apart, then brought it together again.
Reflecting on Luke 12:49-56 with Manningham Uniting Church on 17 August 2025 (Proper 15/Pentecost 10, Year C).
Not every image of God is faithful to the way of Jesus.
Reflecting on Hosea 11:1-11 with Coburg Uniting church on 3 August 2025 (Proper 13 Year C).
On exile, law, salt and love.
Reflecting on Matthew 5:13-20 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, 27 July 2025 (off lectionary, the reading is usually assigned to Epiphany 5 Year A).
A religious scholar, a wounded traveller, a Samaritan and two sisters walk into a kitchen ...
Reflecting on Luke 10:38-42 with the Community of St Mark, Clifton Hill, on 20 July 2025 (Proper 11 Year C).
The breath-wind-spirit of God is an invitation to deep communion.
Reflecting on the Holy Spirit with Rosanna Baptist church on 13 July 2025 (multiple texts, off lectionary).
In a world of authoritarian leaders, Elijah's story should give us backbone.
Reflecting on 1 Kings 19:1-18 with Auburn Life, 22 April 2025 (Proper 7 Year C).
Justice, humbleness, bodies ... and rainbow cake!
Reflecting on Hosea 6:6-8 with The Village Church, Mount Eliza, 25 May 2025.
Resurrection life is elusive and disruptive—and changes everything.
Reflecting on Luke 24 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, Year C Easter Day, 20 April 2025
In the face of oppression, Jesus tightens our focus and grounds us.
Reflecting on Luke 13:1-9 with Brunswick Baptist Church, Lent 3 Year C, 23 March 2025.
Jesus’ resistance to evil lies in knowing himself beloved.
Reflecting on Luke 4:1-13 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, Lent 1 Year C, 9 March 2025.
Is baptism a ticket out of this world, or a plunge further into it?
Reflecting on Luke 3:15-22 with Coburg Uniting Church, 12 January 2025.
Love in a troubled world: what does it look like? And what does it not?
Reflecting on Isaiah 42:1-9 and Philippians 2:5-11, West Preston Baptist Church, 15 December 2024.
God's word comes to the one who relinquishes privilege and works for justice.
Shared with Westgate Baptist on 8 December 2024, reflecting on Luke 3:1-6
Military violence never ends, but Jesus’ way leads to a true and lasting peace.
Shared with Coburg Uniting Church on 24 November 2024, reflecting on John 18:33-37 (Christ the King).
In a nation struggling with the legacies of Christendom, the widow’s gift offers a way forward.
Shared with Rosanna Baptist on 10 November 2024, reflecting on Mark 12:38-13:2.
Suffering is indiscriminate, but so is joy.
A personal story, a bit of commentary, and some invitations.
Shared with Coburg Uniting on 13 October 2024.
An invitation to connect with the earth.
Shared with Rosanna Baptist on 6 October 2024, reflecting on Genesis 18:1-15.
Church isn’t about living a sheltered or peaceful life, nor is it about ignoring or erasing the differences in the room.
A reflection shared with Brunswick Baptist Church on 22 September 2024.
An Anangu-Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara story collides with a Hebrew Psalm flowing through a Cornishwoman who was born in the colony and learned about the APY story at art galleries built on Wurundjeri land. Paintings, stories, animations and interviews from a major exhibition here.
Senior Law Women and AṈANGU Dancers from the APY Lands slowly unfold the story here with gentle good humour
Wirangu women Susie Betts and cultural knowledge keeper Veda Betts tell a third version here, linking it to stories told around the world
Explore, learn, be fed, enjoy ... and share the story!
A friend encouraged me to re-preach an oldie on the Syro-Phoenician woman. But you can never quite do the same thing twice. So here’s the oldie, updated to reflect recent news events and some fresh weirdness in my life. Given to Coburg Uniting Church Sunday 8 September 2024.
Revelation can be read to judge and exclude ... but what if it's not like that? A reflection by Alison Sampson on Revelation 6:1-8:1 given to the Vietnamese Evangelical Church of Australia (English speaking congregation) on 28 July 2024 © Alison Sampson 2024.
The dance of the liturgy heals and transforms us: but to receive its gifts, we must participate. A reflection given to Westgate Baptist Community Church on 14 July 2024.
Where does God live? Does God live at church? A reflection for Canterbury Baptist, who are soon to move out of their building for an extended period of time.
When Satan casts out Satan, he grows stronger: but with Christ we can unmask and bind him.
A reflection on Mark 3:20-35 given to Westgate Baptist Community Church on 9 June 2024.
A cheerfully terrible recording for those who will listen anyway - the builders next door continue, and my sound fades every time they get busy with a sander.
Fear is immobilising, but Jesus' peace offers a way forward.
A terrible recording masking out two helicopters, next door's angle grinder, leaf blowers and teens ... which is the daily backdrop to life in the big smoke!
Maybe God isn't an angry absentee landlord. Maybe the wicked, lazy, worthless bloke is Christ. A retelling of the parable of the talents, and the last post here for the foreseeable. This podcast was made primarily for Sanctuary folk, and Sanctuary finishes up on 26 November 2023. More details at sanctuarybaptist.org.
We will find Christ among foolish bridesmaids and other outcasts, laughing in boundless joy.
In his encounter with the Canaanite woman, Jesus repeats then repents of Joshua’s policy of no mercy.
As we live through the hottest weeks on record, an ancient letter offers counsel and courage.
The usual interpretation of the binding of Isaac is that God requires us to sacrifice everything, even, if asked, our own children. But could a contextual awareness reveal a more life-giving reading?
In the face of sin, death and the injustice of empire, we are called to practice resurrection. A reflection on Romans, quoting also Wendell Berry's poem, Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front.
The story of Abram points to a more just settlement, paving the way to Voice and Treaty.
We here at Sanctuary used to gather 'all together in one place.' So what happened? And what comes next?
Followers of Jesus engage in four devotional practices, which lead to full and flourishing life.
Only a people divorced from Spirit, self and land, indeed, only a culture of dry bones, could engage in colonial violence. Yet even for them, there is hope.
‘Since you’re the son of God,’ says the devilish examiner in Matthew’s story, ‘turn these stones to bread.’ Use your power for your own ends. Whip up a miracle, and feed yourself ...
https://sanctuarybaptist.org/
Jesus sets out a path of nonviolent resistance to state sanctioned domination and abuse.
God-stories are anchored to place. So what are our God-stories and how can they charge the landscape?
What if the Beatitudes describe the school of discipleship? A back-to-school reflection
God calls Joseph to wake up. God demands that he open his eyes to a deeper reality, where love takes priority over obedience to God’s law, and scandal forms the womb of grace.
Christ’s incarnation is often underwhelming. It is up to us to look at the evidence, and decide if it’s the real deal.
Jesus is coming to burn away the rubbish: because he loves you, he’s coming for the harvest, and there’s a sweet kernel in you that he seeks. John the Baptizer has strong words for religious leaders; but for everyone else, he urges a turning to God because the kingdom of heaven is near, and for the vulnerable it's very good news.
Jesus may come looking poor, scruffy, untrustworthy, and vaguely threatening - and he'll take something precious away.
Good health, good work, and good relationships come together to form a city of joy, and a people of delight.
God's table is for disabled and poor people; but this is rarely reflected in the church.
Using sacred imagination to inhabit multiple viewpoints, and to experience healing at the hands of an enemy.
The new Victorian Child Safe Standards are about changing culture, but this is ultimately the work of the Spirit.
The final words of our scriptures are an invitation to communion with God, and it's an invitation open to everyone.
Just imagine a church like the holy city: full of light, open to all people, deeply rooted in the gospel, and overflowing with love.
Jesus invites us to walk down the mountain to a level playing field, where all may be healed.
Like Jeremiah, we are all given God’s words to comfort, challenge and console. A reflection for back-to-school Sunday, in a region where Covid is raging and teaching will be face to face.
Portrayals of Mary tend to the aristocratic, the submissive, the vapid; but the gospel reveals an intelligent woman who stands in the prophetic tradition.
The word of God comes to one who forsakes privilege, lives simply, works for justice ... and listens.
Jesus embodies ancient hopes for healing, reconciliation, nonviolence and peace. As people grafted into this righteous branch, we must live out these qualities, too.
A re-telling of Mark 13 into one local context: for the apocalyptic tradition is "both profoundly contextual and transferable" (Ched Myers).
The story of Ruth undermines the push for religious purity by extending the protections of the law, and the lineage of King David, to a person traditionally despised.
Rejected by the worshipping community, Bartimaeus has true insight into Christ: and this faith makes him well.
Most of us assume that wealth is a blessing and a privilege, but Jesus teaches otherwise. A reflection on one of the most ignored teachings of Jesus which, if taken seriously, would solve the climate crisis and revolutionise the world.
Esther invites us to look for the hints and intimations of God in our own lives, wise to the follies of empire.
According to Jeremiah 12, injustice leads to land degradation and species loss. In an era of anthropogenic climate change, Jeremiah's words have new resonance and show us how to lament.
God's wisdom reveals the particularities of place and the interconnectedness of all things, and is a source of hope for the healing of the earth.
Yes, Jesus calls a woman a dog. But she slaps right back: and Jesus listens, and learns, and grows. (Asterisked title to get past Podbean auto-censor! Sheesh.)
In lockdown, we're appreciating the simple things and discovering, with the wisdom writer, that some choices are better than others.
An enfleshed God unites us with the community of all creation and points us to urgent climate action.
The church is the body of Christ, and so it is our joy to be broken and shared to feed a hungry world.
Christ breaks down the walls between all peoples, then unites them together in love. A reflection on Ephesians 2:11-22 given to Sanctuary on 18 July 2021 (Proper 10 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
The dance of the liturgy heals and transforms us: but to receive its gifts, we must participate. A reflection on 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 14-22 given to Sanctuary on 11 July 2021 (Proper 10 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
When the church operates from a position of power, wealth and influence, it has no authority. A reflection on Mark 6:1-13 given to Canberra Baptist Church on 4 July 2021 (Proper 9 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
Bleeding bodies and suffering selves are all gathered up in God. A reflection on Mark 5:21-43 given to Canberra Baptist Church on 27 June 2021 (Proper 8 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
The kingdom of God is like ... a Facebook post with zero 'likes.' A riff on Mark 4:26-34 given to Sanctuary on 13 June 2021 (Proper 6 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
Jesus exorcises demons of family, church and society. A metaphorical mix up of demons, dwellings, and healing. A reflection on Mark 3:20-35 given to Sanctuary on 6 June 2021 (Proper 5 Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
Are we open to the intoxicating power of the Holy Spirit, or are we dispiritingly sober? A reflection on Acts 2:1-21, 41-42, by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 23 May 2021 (Pentecost Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
When God seems absent, we need each other. A reflection on Acts 1:6-14 by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 16 May 2021 (Ascension Year B) © Sanctuary 2021.
Some of us feel conflicted about our mothers, confused about love, and coerced by Mother’s Day. Thankfully, Jesus shows us what love is, and draws us into his family. A reflection on 1 John 5:1-6 and John 15:9-17 by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 9 May 2021 (Easter 6B, Mother's Day) © Sanctuary 2021.
The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch points to a faith which is radically accepting and inclusive. A reflection on reflection on Acts 8:26-40, John 15 and Isaiah 56 by Alison Sampson, given to Sanctuary on 2 May 2021 (Easter 5B) © Sanctuary 2021.
The Bible is a dangerous document, full of contradictions and contested images of God. How, then, shall we read it? A reflection on Luke 24:36b-48 given to Sanctuary on 25 April 2021 (Easter 3B, one week late) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
A profound anti-climax, a raspberry, a fart: this is Palm Sunday. A reflection on Mark 11:1-11 given to Sanctuary on 28 March 2021 (Year B Lent 6 Palm Sunday) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
A guided meditation on John 12:24: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit." Given to Sanctuary on 21 March 2021 (Year B Lent 5) © Alison Sampson, 2021
Time to undo a pernicious theology - with a history lesson! A reflection on John 3:14-21 given to Sanctuary on 14 March 2021 (Year B Lent 4) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
Another week in the patriarchy. The cross reveals a nonviolent god and a new community of love. A reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 given to Sanctuary on 7 March February 2021 (Year B Lent 3) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
Reclaiming repentance as a path to life. A reflection on Mark 1:9-15 given to Sanctuary on 21 February 2021 (Year B Lent 1) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
The faith which heals is simple and open to everyone. A reflection on 2 Kings 5:1-14 given to Sanctuary on 14 February 2021 (Year B Proper 16) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
The first recognized minister in Mark's gospel is an unnamed woman in a private home, just as most ministry continues to be spontaneous, behind-the-scenes, domestic. A reflection on Mark 1:29-39 given to Sanctuary on 7 February 2021 (Year B Proper 15) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
Jesus' teaching has authority because of its healing, liberating effect. A reflection on Mark 1:21-28 given to Sanctuary on 31 January 2021 (Year B Proper 14) © Alison Sampson, 2021.
Mary's virginity has nothing to do with innocence or passivity. Instead, it is the foundation of her prophetic power. A reflection on Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 given to Sanctuary on 20 December 2020 (Year B Advent 4) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
John's witness to the coming Christ provides a model for our own testimony. A reflection on John 1:6-8, 19-28 given to Sanctuary on 13 December 2020 (Year B Advent 3) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
A targum (re-telling, paraphrasing, updating, expanding and contextualising) of Mark 13:24-37 and surrounding texts, given to Sanctuary on 29 November 2020 (Year B Advent 1) © Alison Sampson, 2020
The judgement of Matthew 25 is not about individuals, hell or the afterlife, but about nations, consequences and this life now. A reflection on Matthew 25:31-46 given to Sanctuary on 22 November 2020 (Year A Proper 2 (Reign of Christ)) © Alison Sampson, 2020
The grossly misunderstood parable of the talents is NOT about using our gifts for God. Instead, it's a challenge to speak truth to power, even when it leads to rejection. A reflection on Matthew 25:14-30 given to Sanctuary on 15 November 2020 (Year A Proper 28) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Moses lives; Moses dies; but God's story continues - and we are invited to participate. A reflection on Deuteronomy 34:1-12 given to Sanctuary on 25 October 2020 (Year A Proper 25) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
To every question and demand, God's presence is the answer. A reflection on Exodus 33:12-23 given to Sanctuary on 18 October 2020 (Year A Proper 24) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
God gives us the gift of freedom and Ten Words - three strategies - to help us resist the lie of empire. A reflection on Exodus 20:1-20 given to Sanctuary on 11 October 2020 (Year A Proper 22) © Alison Sampson, 2020. Recorded in our shutdown location (in the car in heavy rain): apologies for the background noise!
The ancient story of a wilderness-wandering people invites us to reflect on how God provides to a people in shutdown. A reflection on Exodus 17:1-7 given to Sanctuary on 27 September 2020 (Year A Proper 21) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
The Exodus story is an invitation to walk with others against imperial power and military violence. A reflection on Exodus 14:19-31 given to Sanctuary on 20 September 2020 (Year A Proper 19, one week late) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
A reflection on Exodus 12:1-14 (and preceding chapters) given to Sanctuary on 13 September 2020 (Year A Proper 18, one week late) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
We are all called to participate in God's story of the reconciliation of all things: people, land, culture, and trees. A reflection on Exodus 1:8-2:10 given to Sanctuary on 23 August 2020 (Year A Proper 16, one week late) © Alison Sampson, 2020. Learn more about the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy here, or find them on Facebook.
As we look to our fourth birthday and the annual service of recommitment, how then are we called to live? A reflection on birthdays, church, and Genesis 45:1-15 given to Sanctuary on 16 August 2020 (Year A Proper 15) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
In the face of COVID-19 and climate catastrophe, despair feels unavoidable. Yet we are called to a different story, defined and shaped by hope. A reflection on Genesis 37 ff given to Sanctuary on 9 August 2020 (Year A Proper 14) © Alison Sampson, 2020
We are in a time of tremendous grief and loss; yet we are assured that neither death nor grief nor anything else can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ. A response to Romans 8:26-39 given to Sanctuary on 26 July 2020 (Year A Proper 12) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Jesus expects his disciples not only to offer hospitality, but to receive it: for it is in this mutual exchange that they will be transformed. A reflection on Matthew 10:40-42 given to Sanctuary on 28 June 2020 (Year A Proper 8) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
The stories of Sarah and Hagar have been appropriated by white colonialism to devastating effect. A reflection on Genesis 21:8-21 given to Sanctuary, 21 June 2020 (Year A Proper 7) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Emerging from shutdown is an opportunity to recalibrate and create space and time in our lives: but for whom? A reflection on Genesis 18:1-15 given to Sanctuary, 14 June 2020 (Year A Proper 6) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
As the Black Lives Matter protests unfold, let us remember an old story, given to a people who were also invaded, removed from their land, forced into slavery and subject to state sanctioned violence.
Explanatory note: Along with many scholars, this piece assumes that the sea is an ancient symbol of chaos, and that Genesis was written during the Babylonian exile. A reflection on Genesis 1:1-2:4a given to Sanctuary, 7 June 2020 (Trinity Year A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
During shutdown, many of us long to gather like the first disciples "all together in one place"; but the Spirit of Pentecost pushed them, and pushes us, to reach far beyond the bounds of the gathered church.
A reflection on Acts 2 given to Sanctuary, 31 May 2020 (Pentecost Year A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
For churches grappling with the sudden loss of physical gatherings and an uncertain future, the story of Jesus' ascension provides both encouragement and a model for discernment.
A reflection on Acts 1:6-14 given to Sanctuary, 24 May 2020 (Easter 7A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
A testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit in my own life, and a promise to all those who have been judged and found wanting.
A reflection on John 14:15-21 given to Sanctuary, IDAHOBIT, 17 May 2020 (Easter 6A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
People have wondered for millennia where God lives. So what's the answer? An overview of the gospel according to John.
A reflection on John 14:1-14 given to Sanctuary, 10 May 2020 (Easter 5A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
As we shelter in place, let us consider what COVID-19 is revealing, and let us wonder which voices we will follow out of the enclosure.
A reflection on John 10:1-10 given to Sanctuary, 3 May 2020 (Easter 4A) © Alison Sampson, 2020. An extended version of this talk is available on our website here.
The Risen Christ is recognized when he takes bread, gives thanks and shares it, just as he is seen when we too give thanks for our lives and give ourselves away.
A reflection on Luke 24:13-35 given to Sanctuary, 26 April 2020 (Easter 3A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
The children of the COVID-19 lockdown will bear scars of this time for the rest of their lives. We worry about this, and yet, healthy scars bear powerful witness to a living, healing God.
A reflection on John 20:19-31 given to Sanctuary, 19 April 2020 (Easter 2A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
The Apostle Paul said that, if Christ had not been raised, then our faith is in vain. So what is resurrection faith?
A reflection on Matthew 28:1-10 given to Sanctuary, 12 April 2020 (Easter) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
There were, and always will be, two parades: one embodying the power of empire, the other, vulnerability and self-sacrifice.
A reflection on Matthew 21:1-11 given Sanctuary, 5 April 2020 (Palm Sunday) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God promises life to a people cut off from everything they once knew.
A reflection on Ezekiel 37:1-14 given Sanctuary, 29 March 2020 (Lent 5A) © Alison Sampson, 2020
In a time of increasing unrest, it's not big men but little pepole like us who are needed.
A reflection on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 given to Sanctuary, 22 March 2020 (Lent 4A) © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Jesus calls us to give our hearts to him, that his love might shine through us.
A reflection on John 3:1-17 given to Sanctuary, 8 March 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
To suggest victims of family violence should 'turn the other cheek' is to distort Jesus' teaching in the most toxic and destructive way. A look at the context of these words, and how they are an invitation to challenge all forms of violence and control, including within the family.
A reflection on Matthew 5:38-48 given to Sanctuary, 23 February 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Gehenna, or hell, is an abomination to God; "indeed, it did not even enter my mind" (Jeremiah 7:31).
A reflection on Matthew 5:21-37 given to Sanctuary, 16 February 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Don’t be a moron. Be pure salt. And be ready to be sprinkled around.
A reflection on Matthew 5:13-20 given to Sanctuary, 9 February 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Heaven's blessings are not what you might expect.
A reflection on Matthew 5:1-13 given to Sanctuary, 2 February 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, land of the Eastern Maar nation: Jesus comes to bring light and healing to occupied territories and colonised people.
A riff on Matthew 4:12-23 given to Sanctuary, 26 January 2020 © Alison Sampson, 2020.
if you want a pure spirituality, uncontaminated by blood and sickness and appetites and conflict and politics and other people, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you want an earthy faith, a real faith, which embraces all our materiality and mess, look to Jesus Christ.
A reflection on Luke 2:1-20 given to Sanctuary, 24 December 2019 © Alison Sampson, Christmas 2019.
Christ comes in unexpected ways. When we ask if his incarnation is the real deal, he points to the fruits of his ministry, and leaves it to us to decide.
A reflection on Matthew 11:2-11 given to Sanctuary, 15 December 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
The prophet John provides a bracing antidote to consumer Christmas chaos.
A reflection on Matthew 3:1-12 given to Sanctuary, 8 December 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
As long as we judge others, and preach that one criminal goes to heaven and the other to hell, we will not know God’s culture.
A reflection on Luke 23:33-43 given to Sanctuary, 24 November 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
Isaiah's vision of a new creation promises peace and plenty for everyone: Indigenous, colonial settler, migrant -- and koalas, too.
A reflection on Isaiah 65:17-25 given to Sanctuary, 17 November 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
The church is called to embody resurrection life, in which women are no longer invisible or voiceless, and all people are precious to God.
A reflection on Luke 20:27-40 given to Sanctuary, 10 November 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
It takes humility to receive God's grace.
A reflection on Luke 18:9-14 given to Sanctuary, 27 October 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
A story of persistent widows, and their challenge to a middle class church.
A reflection on Luke 18:1-8 given to Sanctuary, 20 October 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Admitting our brokenness and turning to Jesus is the path to the deepest healing.
A reflection on Luke 17:11-19 given to Sanctuary, 13 October 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Indigenous and Christian ways of the seeing reveal a world fully alive, animated by the spirit, and wanting to communicate. Learning this way will transform how we live in and care for the world.
A reflection on Psalm 148 and Colossians 1:15-20 given to Sanctuary, 22 September 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Weighed down by capitalism? Consider the ravens and discover a renewed way of life.
A reflection on Luke 12:22-34 given to Sanctuary, 8 September 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
In the face of climate catastrophe and oceanic collapse, the Book of Job offers a vision of hope.
A reflection on Job 38:1-18 given to Sanctuary, 1 September 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
How following Jesus nearly tore one household apart - and eventually brought it together again.
A reflection on Luke 12:49-56 given to Sanctuary, 18 August 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
The loneliness of the rich capitalist, and hints of an alternative economy.
A reflection on Luke 12:13-21-24a, 29-31 given to Sanctuary, 4 August 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Many believe in prayer as a transaction between 'good' people and God - but is this what Jesus is really on about?
A reflection on Luke 11:1-13 given to Sanctuary, 28 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019. I quote a song by Monique Lisbon, which you can find here.
Inviting Jesus into your dwelling means being renovated from the inside out.
A reflection on Luke 10:38-42 given to Sanctuary, 21 July 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Elisha glimpses God's reality: and it is this which empowers him to take on the prophet's mantle. So what does this mean for us?
A reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-15a given to Sanctuary, 30 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019
Most spiritual teachings assume solitude and silence. But the story of Elijah suggests that a God-centred spirituality is to be found in the midst of people, in the chaos of life.
A reflection on 1 Kings 19:1-18 given to Sanctuary, 23 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lady Wisdom called out at the public places—the city gates, the crossroads, the mountaintops—and she said: “The Lord began the work of creation with me ..."
A reflection on Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 given to Sanctuary, 16 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
The urgency and adventure in Acts can be daunting to a small young church - so, where are we up to in our story?
A reflection on Acts 16:11-34 given to Sanctuary, 2 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
Healing means both responsibility and conflict.
A guided meditation through John 5:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 26 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
Loving like Jesus means loving through betrayal and beyond.
A reflection on John 13:31-35 given to Sanctuary, 19 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
Peter raises Tabitha: for Christ lives on in his disciples.
A reflection on John 10:22-30 and Acts 9:36-43 given to Sanctuary, 12 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
What would you spend a year’s wages on? A house deposit? A fancy car? A university education? How about some fabulously expensive perfume for a man about to die?
A reflection on John 12:1-8 and Philippians 3:4b-14 given to Sanctuary, 7 April 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.
What are you hungry for? What are you craving? Food? Friendship? The dulling of the pain? An end to loneliness? The lighting up of the darkness? The warm embrace of love? To be hungry is to be human. To feed ourselves is to be human. And we live in a ravenous age ...
A reflection on Isaiah 55:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 24 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.