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Nazareth Then and Now
Ancient Nazareth lacked the critical advantages for its development as a significant settlement: abundant water supply, an elevated site for defensive purposes, and strategic location adjacent to a major highway. The most comprehensive recent study of the archeology of ancient Nazareth and its local region was completed by Ken Dark over several seasons between 2004…
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The oldest hatred
Presentation to a panel discussion sponsored by the Jewish Council of Australia at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane on Monday, 29 September 2025. The topic of the event was: Should anti-Semitism be exceptionalised or should we combat all forms of racism together? Co-hosts for the event included: Doykeit (a local Jewish group in Brisbane), St John’s…
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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
A prayer for the Third Sunday of Lent (Year C) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Living Lord, you spread a table before us, and draw water for us from the well of salvation. Give us the passion to embrace your invitation, to respond whole-heartedly to your…
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Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
Psalm 122:6 calls upon people of faith to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Like me, I am sure you are watching with alarm as the tensions between the Hamas administration in the Gaza strip and Israel have reached a flashpoint in the last few days. Let’s pray and work for a non-violent resolution to…
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Pentecost 25B (18 November 2012)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 First Reading: Birth of Samuel 2.1 Daniel 12 3 Second Reading: Jesus the eternal high priest in Hebrews 4 Gospel: Jesus’ apocalyptic discourse 5 Jesus Database 6 Liturgies and Prayers 6.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary 1Samuel 1:4-20 and 1Samuel 2:1-10 Heb. 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 First Reading: Birth of Samuel…
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Pentecost 24B (11 November 2012)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 First Reading: Ruth and Boaz 2.1 The Widow of Zarephath 3 Second Reading: Jesus – eternal priest in an otherworldly temple 4 Gospel: The widow’s gift 5 Jesus Database 6 Liturgies and Prayers 6.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127 (or 1Kings 17:8-16 & Psalm 146) Hebrews 9:24-28…
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All Saints and All Souls
Following a request as to whether I have any lectionary materials for All Saints and All Souls, which many parishes will observe next Sunday, I have gone back to check my files. There were no lectionary notes, as such, but I did find my sermon from Sunday, November 2, 2003. While it seems not to…
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Pentecost 23B (4 November 2012)
Contents 1 Lectionary 2 First Reading: Ruth 3 Deuteronomy 6 – the Shema 4 Second Reading: Jesus as priest 5 Gospel: The Chief Commandment 6 Jesus Database 7 Liturgies and Prayers 7.1 Music Suggestions Lectionary Ruth 1:1-18 and Psalm 146 (or Deut 6:1-9 and Psalm 119:1-8 Hebrews 9:11-14 Mark 12:28-34 First Reading: Ruth The…
