Book: Matthew

The ‘death of the self’ in baptism, modelled in Jesus, enables us to live openly and generously instead of fearfully and defensively.

How might the biblical witness and the Eucharistic meal set before us shed light on our sense of vocation, on the offerings we seek to bring, individually and collectively?

The Christmas story includes a message of God’s solidarity with and care for children and families who live in fear and who flee to seek refuge. We corrupt the message if we make it about our children and not all children.

The Christ child is the light who enlightens the world and as his love takes root in our hearts and lives, it causes us to light up the darkness.

When God is moving to do something new among us, it almost always seems scandalous, immoral and offensive to many, and is just as likely to involve those who are regarded as morally suspect.

Jesus probably won’t meet our expectations, but will instead set out to convert our expectations and lead us into a new world that exceeds anything we could have expected.

Though we get caught up in violent rivalries like Herod, God breaks through with the promise of a new kingdom where all are honoured.

Jesus calls us to love and care for the world’s victims, and to refuse to participate in making more of them (even from among the victimisers).

Our anticipation of new life in Christ, though not removing all grief, allows us to find hope in the mercy and love of God.

Jesus recognises that there are different ways of interpreting the Bible that lead to different understandings of God and of following God, and he demonstrates the principles by which he would have us read it.

As creatures made in the image of God, imitation of God is the pathway to fullness of life.

The pathway to a life of joy and gratitude is to imitate Jesus in filling our minds with things which are worthy, honourable, merciful and loving.