Author Archives: stmichaelssurrey

‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’  Matthew 22:21Christians have sometimes turned to this passage to address issues of church and state. While this text can be helpful in … Continue reading →

Sunday’s Reflection:  It is essential when approaching this passage, Matthew 21:33-46, that we know that where we are in the arc of the gospel. Jesus is preaching directly to the Pharisees, chief priests, and other temple elites who, in the same … Continue reading →

Matthew 21:23-32 This Gospel lesson plays out almost like a theatrical scene: Jesus is met with a question and responds with a question which is lobbed around almost like a tennis ball among the officials and the people. With all the … Continue reading →

Intentional Small Groups: The Episcopal Church continues to offer new resources for congregations interested in following the Way of Love as a way of life by starting small group ministries. New resources include the Building an Intentional Small Group Ministry information packet, an infographic, video compilations, and social media graphics. These resources are … Continue reading →

Intentional Small Groups: The Episcopal Church continues to offer new resources for congregations interested in following the Way of Love as a way of life by starting small group ministries. New resources include the Building an Intentional Small Group Ministry information packet, an infographic, video compilations, and social media graphics. These resources are … Continue reading →

Sunday’s Reflection:  The episode at the burning bush is one of the most memorable Old Testament stories, perhaps because it portrays God’s encounter with a particular person, as well as God’s compassionate response to the afflictions of his people. This is … Continue reading →

Sunday Reflection:  The gospel today is a climax for Jesus’ teaching, healing, and feeding in Matthew. The Pharisees and Sadducees want yet another sign at the beginning of the chapter, but ordinary Peter is confident that Jesus is the Messiah. Peter … Continue reading →

Sunday Reflections:  This short text provides a raw, telling glimpse of the human Jesus, for this is the only instance in the Gospels when he loses an argument! Whenever he is confronted publicly Jesus always has a response to his questioners. … Continue reading →

Sunday Reflection: Matthew 14:13-21. It’s common in our (Anglican) churches to hear narratives of scarcity. A budget shortfall leads to last minute appeals and difficult choices. We wonder when we’ll have enough time to do the work (Building & ground Maintenance) we care most about … Continue reading →