markphilps

The Queen

What motivates hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs to travel to London, queue for hours and pass briefly by the coffin of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second? Many answers to that question have been suggested over the past few days: There is probably some truth in all theseContinue reading “The Queen”

Thoughts on Luke 14.7-14

Welcoming the presence of Jesus: Luke 13.10-17

Growing into maturity: a sermon on Colossians 1.1-14

What’s in a name? A sermon preached at St Peter’s, Marlborough, 3 July 2022

A Good Friday Reflection on the power of the cross (based on the account in Mark’s Gospel)

Jesus was being crucified with two “rebels” or “bandits”. Not “thieves” as traditionally rendered. These were not men who had run off with somebody’s handbag. Crucifixion was reserved for runaway slaves and those who had rebelled against Roman rule. Jesus has the charge “King of the Jews” over his head. Only the Emperor is allowedContinue reading “A Good Friday Reflection on the power of the cross (based on the account in Mark’s Gospel)”

A Reflection for Palm Sunday

We’ve just had a long weekend in Jordan. Driving around I’ve enjoyed looking out for flocks of sheep and goats (sometimes with a shepherd), camels, and the occasional donkey. I’d like today to focus on the donkey ridden by Jesus into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday. What is Jesus doing commandeering somebody else’s donkey? IsContinue reading “A Reflection for Palm Sunday”

Father & Son: further reflections

Having written on Sunday about the importance of the Father:Son relationship in Christianity, I realised that this raises a number of issues which might be bugging some readers. In the first place, is this just a projection of our own needs? In a hostile world do we make up a Sky Father who we hopeContinue reading “Father & Son: further reflections”

Father & Son: Luke 3.15-22

It’s the season of Epiphany, which means “Manifestation” or “Revelation”. And this Sunday we get to the baptism of Jesus, where the crowds – themselves waiting to be baptised – hear the voice from heaven proclaim “You are my Son, whom I love”. This Father:Son relationship is at the heart of Christian faith: the CreedsContinue reading “Father & Son: Luke 3.15-22”

Advent 2: Repentance in Malachi & Luke

John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord. To make straight paths for him – straight to the hearts, minds and lives of the people of God. How should we respond today? In this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Lord and we anticipate hisContinue reading “Advent 2: Repentance in Malachi & Luke”