Reflections for August 2023

So, according to our reading from Isaiah today (Is 22:19-23), Shebna is out of favor and Eliakim is on the up. But in the end it didn’t turn out so well for Eliakim either. In the subsequent conflict with the king of Assyria, Eliakim ended up on the wrong side and also lost favor. So […]

All three of our readings this week talk about inclusion and exclusion, being on the inside vs on the outside. The Book of Isaiah is remarkable for its championing of an inclusive view of God’s relationship with humankind. Today’s reading (Is 56:1, 6-7) is just one example among many. The opportunity offered to “all people”

The readings this week provide us with an interesting comparison between Elijah and Peter (1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a and Mt 14:22-33). Both have been called by God, personally and directly. Neither is handling it very well.  Elijah has just run away from trouble – not unreasonably we might think, since he’s upset the king’s wife

The Transfiguration is arguably the most dramatic event described in the gospels.  I guess bringing people back to life is also up there but, at least in the way the gospels talk about it, doesn’t have quite the wow factor of the Transfiguration.  If the Resurrection were described, doubtless it would take prize position, but