Visit Greece in the footsteps of St Paul in April 2027
PLEASE NOTE: This trip is now fully booked! If you would like to be on a waiting list for our future trips to Greece (likely April 2028), Turkey (September 2027) or Israel (possible 2028), please email Steve Upton at at st***@************ca.com I am planning to lead a study trip to Greece in the footsteps of St Paul, from Tuesday 20th to Thursday 29th April 2027 inclusive visiting Thessaloniki, Philippi, Berea, Meteroa, Delphi, Corinth, and Athens. It is a great time of year to go, as the weather is warm but not too hot, the sites are less busy, and for…
Gospel commentary index Lectionary Year A
On this page, you can find an index to all the commentary articles on the gospel lectionary readings for the whole of Year A, together with links to the video discussions between Ian and James. The articles will be reposted with updates during the year—but they are listed here for convenience and planning ahead.
Jason Arday and the Church of England
It is hard to say anything original about the tragic affair of Jason Arday, his appointment as a professor in Cambridge, the challenges made to his academic and personal claims, his resignation, and his tragic death by suicide. At the centre of all this is a human being, and someone who has now left wife, children, and friends bereft. If you are someone who prays, pause for a minute to pray for his family and those deeply grieving over his death. But we need also to remember that compassion and understanding are not opposed, but need each other—in this case…
What does ‘take up your cross’ mean in Matthew 16?
To ‘carry one’s cross’ has commonly been understood as bearing a heavy burden through life, and some are sceptical as to whether Jesus could have said this in his lifetime….
Life in community in Romans 12 video discussion
In the lectionary reading for Trinity 13 year A, Romans 12.9–21, Paul sets out a remarkable vision of life in the redeemed community, using a particularly powerful rhetorical style. Instead…
Peter’s confession of Jesus in Matthew 16
Peter’s confession of Jesus in Matthew 16.13–20 has some fascinating differences from the parallel accounts in Luke and Mark—and a unique Matthean comment addressed by Jesus to Peter. Video discussion…
Peter’s confession in Matthew 16 video discussion
The reading for Trinity 12 in Year A is Matthew 16.13–20. It is Peter’s confession of who Jesus is as Messiah, but it also contains Matthew’s unique material in which…
The Church of England and the Assumption of Mary
As we approach the feast of ‘The Blessed Virgin Mary’ in the calendar, I offer my annual repost of the exploration of whether the Assumption is actually something recognised and celebrated…
Will Andy Burnham end rough sleeping?
Andy Burnham has made a promise to end rough sleeping as a priority. Although this sounds good, such promises have been made before—and failed to deliver. The danger is that…
Does Jesus learn how not to be racist from the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15?
The first part of our passage is claimed to show that Jesus overturned the Jewish food laws. The second part is claimed to show that Jesus was racially prejudiced just…
Jesus, food law, and the Canaanite woman in Matt 15 video discussion
The gospel lectionary reading for Trinity 11 in Year A is Matthew 15.[10-20] 21-28. If we take the whole text, there are two episodes which are both commonly misinterpreted. The…
The Truth is Much Wilder? Awe and Atheism in BBC’s Evolution
Dr Zachary Ardern writes: The Nicene Creed affirms: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. The…
Jesus (and Peter) walk on the water in Matthew 14 video discussion
The gospel for Trinity 10 in Year A is Matthew 14.22–33, Jesus walking on the sea to the terrified disciples. The episode has parallels in Mark and John, but only…
