About - South Darebin Anglican Parish

The bitter-sweet struggle (29 June)

Dear Friends, We have an interesting opportunity to reflect on the lives of saints Peter and Paul this week. This is not an exercise I had not previously set myself. These were two flawed characters who became spiritual giants through the intervention of God in their lives. Of course we look to them as examples...

What has possessed you? (22 June)

Dear Friends, We have an unusual gospel this week (from Luke, Chapter 8). One of the commentaries I’ve read used the heading ‘The Madman and the Pigs’. No theological nuance there. This is a story of demonic possession, not given credibility in contemporary society. However, a fruitful way to explore this gospel is to look...

Focus on the Trinity (15 June)

This week is our opportunity to celebrate the Trinity. This follows hot on the heels (pardon the pun) of the coming of the Spirit. I spoke last week about the challenge of discerning the Spirit. In Ignatian terms there is Good Spirit that leads to life and Bad Spirit that leads us away from God....

The Holy Spirit! (8 June)

Dear Friends, This week we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit (as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2). What an extraordinary event! It is an opportunity each year to think about how seriously we take the movement of the Spirit in the world, our community and our lives. In this week’s...

How do we know? (25 May)

Dear Friends, Our Gospel this week (found in John, Chapter 14) brings both reassurance as well as an issue to ponder. In my sermon this week I will be addressing the theme of Discernment. How do we know God’s presence is with us? I will look at the Ignatian methodology and the Examen prayer. The...

Am I weak enough? (18 May)

This week’s gospel (found in John Chapter 13) calls us to consider the issues of Jesus’ glorification, his departure and his commandment that we should love one another. In typical counter-cultural fashion, Jesus’ teaching and ministry were not focused on power and aggrandisement. His authority was a direct reflection of his relationship with the Father....

Are you listening? (11 May)

In this week’s gospel (found in John, Chapter 10) Jesus talks about himself as the Shepherd and identifies those who listen to him as his sheep. My sermon this week boils down to one question: are you listening for his voice? This question implicates a lot of sub-issues. How is your prayer life? Are you...

Have you read?