Barefoot Follower

Inviting Reflection on the Stories of Jesus

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  • Mosaic
  • Lectionary
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    • Gospel of Matthew
    • Gospel of Mark
    • Gospel of Luke
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Welcome to Barefoot Follower: Inviting Reflection on the Stories of Jesus

The ‘Barefoot Follower’ site is a collection of passion-filled reflections, sermons, and reviews centred around the teachings of Jesus. Join me as we consider what these ancient, long-treasured documents might tell us about God and ourselves.

For more information on the concept, purpose, and aspiration of the site please visit the
Introduction page.

Celebrate

February 24, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 for the First Sunday in Lent, March 6, 2022. When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an Continue Reading

Indigenous Justice

February 24, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 5:6 for Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (NRSVA) Continue Reading

Treasure

February 17, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his Continue Reading

Glimpse

February 17, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 9:28-36 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the Continue Reading

Shine

February 17, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Exodus 34:29-35 and Psalm 99 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 27, 2022. Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the Continue Reading

Same. Different.

February 16, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:35-40 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?’ Fool! Continue Reading

Children

February 16, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 6:27-38 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. ‘…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse Continue Reading

Wait

February 15, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Genesis 45:3-11 & 15 and Psalm 37:1-11 & 40-41 for the Seventh Sunday After Epiphany, February 20, 2022. Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still Continue Reading

Unexpected Springs of Grace: Humility

February 14, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 5:5 for Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NRSVA) Inheritance seems to - Continue Reading

Raised

February 14, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no Continue Reading

The Upside-Down Kingdom

February 14, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 6:17-26 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude Continue Reading

Well Watered

February 13, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jeremiah 17:5-10 & Psalm 1 for the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany, February 13, 2022. Thus says the Lord:Cursed are those who trust in mere Continue Reading

Good News

February 13, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you Continue Reading

Shortfall

February 13, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 5:1-11 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear Continue Reading

Holy

February 13, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 6:1-13 and Psalm 138 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 6, 2022. In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the Continue Reading

Agape

February 10, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 13 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging Continue Reading

Home

February 10, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 4:21-30 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of Continue Reading

Pluck and Plant

February 10, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 71:1-6 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 30, 2022. Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb Continue Reading

Body

February 9, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are Continue Reading

Jubilee

February 9, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 4:14-21 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through Continue Reading

Opening the Book

February 9, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, & 8-10, and Psalm 19 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 23, 2022. …all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They Continue Reading

Gift Giver

February 8, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know Continue Reading

First Sign

February 8, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on John 2:1-11 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his Continue Reading

God’s Delight

February 8, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 62:1-5 and Psalm 36:5-10 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 16, 2022. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,    and for Jerusalem’s sake I Continue Reading

Our Baptism

February 8, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 8:14-17 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Continue Reading

Unexpected Springs of Grace: Lament

February 6, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 5:4 for Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. God blesses those who mourn,    for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NLT) Lament Continue Reading

Unexpected Springs of Grace: Simplicity

January 30, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 5:3 for Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered Continue Reading

Nurturing Faith Through Challenge

January 23, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Philemon 8-22 for Sunday, January 30 at Mosaic Gungahlin. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for Continue Reading

Nurturing Faith Through Relationship

January 20, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Philemon 1-7 and 23-25 for Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Mosaic Baptist Church. This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our Continue Reading

Expectation

January 18, 2022 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 3:15-22 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether Continue Reading

The Creative Voice

December 29, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 43:1-7 and Psalm 29 for the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022. But now thus says the Lord,    he who created you, O Continue Reading

Gathering Everything

December 28, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 1:1-14 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2021. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every Continue Reading

Revealing Word

December 28, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on John 1:1-18 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2021. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the Continue Reading

Scattering and Gathering

December 27, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jeremiah 31:7-14 and Psalm 147:12-20 for the Second Sunday After Christmas Day, January 2, 2022. For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Continue Reading

Always Growing

December 26, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Colossians 3:12-17 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, Continue Reading

A God Who Grows

December 26, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 2:41-52 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was Continue Reading

Growing In God

December 26, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Samuel 2:18-26 and Psalm 148 for the First Sunday After Christmas Day, December 26, 2021. Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His Continue Reading

The Will of God

December 17, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Hebrews 10:5-10 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not Continue Reading

Mary’s Song

December 15, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 1:39-55 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the Continue Reading

The Guard of Your Heart

December 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Philippians 4:4-7 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Continue Reading

The Hope of Repentance

December 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 3:7-18 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the Continue Reading

God Among Us

December 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Isaiah 12:2-6 for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021. Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;    shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with Continue Reading

Restoration

November 27, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Micah 5:2-5a and Psalm 80:1-7 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,    who are one of the little clans of Continue Reading

Hope Beyond Hope

November 25, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Philippians 1:1-11 for The Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with Continue Reading

A Cry from the Edge

November 25, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 3:1-6 for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was Continue Reading

Seeking the Refiner

November 25, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 1:67-80 for The Second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021. See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Story, Song & Beauty

November 4, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Samuel 2:1-10 & 1 Peter 2:21-25 for Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Hannah prayed and said, ‘My heart exults in Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Food, Hospitality & Conversation

October 28, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 6:30-44 & Acts 2:42-47 for Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He Continue Reading

Waiting in Prayer

October 27, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of Continue Reading

Sign Sighting

October 27, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 21:25-38 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the Continue Reading

The Wait

October 27, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Psalm 25:1-10 for the First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Prayer, Meditation & Silence

October 17, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A sermon on 1 Kings 19:11-13 and Mark 1:35 for Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Mosaic Gungahlin. Today we continue with our series entitled, ‘Finding Balance’.  The metaphor we have been Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Nature, Wonder, & Awe

October 10, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 19 for Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The heavens are telling the glory of God;    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Created to Balance (#2)

September 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a Continue Reading

Finding Balance: Created to Balance (#1)

September 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Genesis 1 for October 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the Continue Reading

Story Time: Lost and Found

August 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 15:1-2 & 11-32 for Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Mosaic Baptist Church Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees Continue Reading

Story Time: Good Samaritans?

August 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 10:25-37 for Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal Continue Reading

Story Time: Fish Nets

August 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:47-50 for Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every Continue Reading

Story Time: Treasure

August 30, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:44-46 for Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he Continue Reading

Story Time: Weeds and Wheat

August 29, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43 for Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed Continue Reading

Story Time: Yeast

August 29, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:33 for Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in Continue Reading

Story Time: Mustard Seeds

August 26, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:31-32 for Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed Continue Reading

Story Time: Why Parables?

August 25, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:10-17 for Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it Continue Reading

Story Time: Learning to Pray

August 25, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 18:1-17 for Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain Continue Reading

Story Time: The Sower – Hearing and Understanding

July 29, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 for Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered Continue Reading

Kingdom Encounter: Generosity

April 19, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Luke 19:1-10 for Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and Continue Reading

Kingdom Encounter: Faith

April 12, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Mark 5:21-43 for Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Continue Reading

Kingdom Encounter: Obedience

April 12, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Mark 5:1-20 and Mark 6:53-56 for Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church, Gungahlin The Exorcism of the Gerasenes Demoniac – by Sebastien Bourdon (1653-1657). They Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Risen

April 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 16 and Matthew 28:1-10 for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.  I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;    I Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Cross

April 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 22 and Mark 15:21-41 for Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from helping me, from the words Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Messiah

April 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 110 and Matthew 22:41-16 for Sunday, March 28 at Mosaic Baptist Church. The Lord says to my lord,    ‘Sit at my right handuntil I make your enemies your Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Cornerstone

April 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection in Psalm 118:19-25 and Matthew 21:33-46 for Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Open to me the gates of righteousness,    that I may enter through them    and give thanks Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Lament

March 9, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 88 for Sunday, March 14 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, God of my salvation,    when, at night, I cry out in your presence,let my prayer come before you;    incline Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Repentance

March 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 38 for Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger,    or discipline me in your wrath.For your arrows have Continue Reading

Rest On Grace

February 15, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Romans 4:13-25 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021. For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but Continue Reading

Finding Profit

February 15, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 8:31-38 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the Continue Reading

A New Name

February 15, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Genesis 17:1-7 & 15-16 and Psalm 22:23-31 for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and Continue Reading

A Living Lent

February 9, 2021 By Mark Beresford

May 12, 2015 By Mark Beresford  (Edit) . A Sermon for the First Sunday in Lent February 22, 2015 (Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15) Peter’s understanding of Continue Reading

Finding Your Audience: A Reflection on Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-21

February 9, 2021 By Mark Beresford

February 4, 2013 By Mark Beresford  (Edit) Below is a homily originally preached at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Charnwood for Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013. As we approach Ash Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Trust

February 9, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 23 for Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.    He makes me lie down in green Continue Reading

Invited

February 9, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Peter 3:18-22 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2021 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He Continue Reading

Turning and Trusting

February 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:9-15 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2021 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was Continue Reading

Signalling Covenant

February 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Genesis 9:8-17 and Psalm 25:1-10 for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21, 2020. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him,  ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Praise

February 1, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 8 for Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church O Lord, our Sovereign,    how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your Continue Reading

A Fragile Treasure

February 1, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:3-12 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this Continue Reading

Jesus Revealed

February 1, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 9:2-9 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he Continue Reading

Summoning the Faithful

February 1, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Psalm 50:1-6 for Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021. Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: Wisdom

January 11, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 1 for February 14, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Happy are those    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners Continue Reading

The Working Apostle

January 11, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and Continue Reading

Revealing Authority

January 11, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:29-39 for the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Continue Reading

A Working God

January 11, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 40:21-31 and Psalm 147:1-11 for the Fiflth Sunday After Epiphany, February 7, 2021 Have you not known? Have you not heard?    Has it not been told you Continue Reading

The Prayers Jesus Prayed: The Prayer Tent

January 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Psalm 27:3-6, 14 and Exodus 33:7-11 for Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church ...Though an army encamp against me,    my heart shall not Continue Reading

Prioritising Grace

January 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs Continue Reading

Revealing Authority

January 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:21-28 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were Continue Reading

Finding Wisdom

January 8, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and Psalm 111 for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany, January 31, 2021 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; Continue Reading

Matthew’s Opening Line: Bathsheba

January 7, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Samuel 11:1-5 and Matthew 1:6b for Sunday, January 31 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers Continue Reading

Living in the Light

January 7, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have Continue Reading

People Fishing

January 7, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:14-20 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is Continue Reading

Confronting Love

January 7, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jonah 3:1-10 and Psalm 62:5-12 for the Third Sunday After Epiphany, January 24, 2021 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Continue Reading

Matthew’s Opening Line: Rahab

January 6, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Joshua 2:1-4a, 6: 15-17, 22-25 & Matthew 1:5a for Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, Continue Reading

A Humble Listening

January 6, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 ‘All things are lawful for me’, but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me’, but Continue Reading

Already Known

January 6, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on John 1:43-51 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was Continue Reading

Learning to Listen

January 6, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Samuel 3:1-10 & Psalm 139:1-5 & 12-18 for the Second Sunday After Epiphany, January 17, 2021 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word Continue Reading

John’s Baptism Fulfilled

January 5, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 19:1-7 for ’The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021. While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the inland regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some Continue Reading

Baptising the Messiah

January 5, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:4-11 for ‘The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021. John the baptiser appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of Continue Reading

The Power of a Word

January 5, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Genesis 1:1-5 & Psalm 29 for ‘The Baptism of Our Lord’ Sunday - January 10, 2021 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless Continue Reading

A Reflection from Ephesians for Epiphany

January 4, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 3:1-12 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — for surely you have already heard Continue Reading

A Gospel Reflection for Epiphany

January 4, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where Continue Reading

A Reflection from Isaiah for Epiphany

January 4, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 60:1-6 & Psalm 72:1-7 & 10-14 for Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Arise, shine; for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has Continue Reading

The Second Sunday After Christmas

January 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on John 1:10-18 for Sunday, January 3, 2020 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his Continue Reading

The Second Sunday After Christmas

January 3, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Jeremiah 31:7-14 & Psalm 147:12-20 for Sunday, January 3, 2021 For thus says the Lord:Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,    and raise shouts for the Continue Reading

The First Sunday After Christmas

January 2, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Galatians 4:4-7 for December 27, 2020 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the Continue Reading

The First Sunday After Christmas

January 2, 2021 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 2:22-40 for Sunday, December 27, 2020 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Continue Reading

Matthew’s Opening Line: Tamar

December 24, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 1:3 & Genesis 38:1-30 for Sunday, January 10 at Mosaic Baptist Church In course of time the wife of Judah, Shua’s daughter, died; when Judah’s time of mourning was Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid When Others Rage

December 24, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 2:13-23 for January 3, 2021 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid When Others Serve

December 23, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 for December 27, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Continue Reading

The Second Sunday After Christmas

December 11, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 1:3-14 for Sunday, January 3, 2021 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid to Worship

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 2:20 for Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid to Choose Love

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 2:15-20 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Continue Reading

The First Sunday After Christmas

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 61:10-62:3 & Psalm 148 for Sunday, December 27, 2020 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,    my whole being shall exult in my God;for he has Continue Reading

The Birth of Our Lord: Christmas Day

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Matthew 1:18-2:6 for Friday, December 25, 2020 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived Continue Reading

The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Romans 16:25-27 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of Continue Reading

The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 1:26-38 for Sunday, December 20, 2020 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Continue Reading

The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Samuel 7:1-11 & 16, and Luke 1:46-55 for Sunday, December 20, 2020. Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid to Practice Joy

December 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 2:1-14 for Sunday, December 13 at Mosaic Baptist Church In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first Continue Reading

Do Not Be Afraid to Bring Peace

December 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 1:46-55 for Sunday, December 6, 2020 for Mosaic Baptist Church And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Continue Reading

The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

December 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 for Sunday, December 13, 2020. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Continue Reading

The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

December 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on John 1:6-8- & 19-28 for Sunday, December 13, 2020. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might Continue Reading

The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

December 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 61:1-4 & 8-11, and Psalm 126 for the Sunday, December 13, 2020. The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,    because the Lord has Continue Reading

The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

December 1, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 2 Peter 3:8-15a for Sunday, December 6, 2020. But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one Continue Reading

The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

December 1, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 1:1-8 for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020. The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the prophet Continue Reading

The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

December 1, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 40:1-11 & Psalm 85:1-2 & 8-13 for the Second Sunday in Advent, December 6, 2020. Comfort, O comfort my people,    says your God.Speak tenderly Continue Reading

Advent Sunday: Hope

November 29, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 for Advent Sunday, 29 November, 2020. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God Continue Reading

Advent Sunday: Hope

November 29, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Mark 13:24-37 for Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020. But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,    and the moon will not give its light, and the Continue Reading

Advent Sunday: Hope

November 29, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Isaiah 64:1-9 and Psalm 80:1-7 & 17-19 for Advent Sunday, November 29, 2020. O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,    so that the mountains would quake at Continue Reading

Advent: Do Not Be Afraid to Hold Hope

November 25, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Luke 1:26-45 for November 29, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas Separate

November 16, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 15:36-41 for Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem

November 10, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 15:1-19 for Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe

October 26, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 14:8-20 for Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church In Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from the time of his birth, who had never walked. He heard Paul Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium

October 14, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 14:1-7 for Sunday, October 25 at Mosaic Baptist Church The same occurred in Iconium - where they went into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke so that many - both Jews and Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia

October 12, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 13:(13-28) 29-33a & 44-52 for Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. ...When everything was complete that was written about him, they took him from the tree Continue Reading

The First Missionary Journey: The Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul

October 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Acts 13:1-3 for Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. In the church of Antioch there were prophets and teachers - Barnabas, Simeon of Africa, Lucias the Cyrene, Continue Reading

See and Come Alive: Reflecting the Kingdom

August 16, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 4:1-16 for Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been Continue Reading

See and Come Alive: See the Unseen

August 15, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 3:14-21 for Sunday, August 15, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes Continue Reading

See and Come Alive: God’s Masterplan – the End of Hostility

August 2, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Ephesians 2 for Sunday, August 9 at Mosaic Baptist Church. You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, Continue Reading

See & Come Alive: See the Eternal God

July 29, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Ephesians 1 for Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Continue Reading

Taking a Spiritual Perspective: The Servant and the Hireling

July 22, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Kings 18:1-16 for Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church. After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year of the drought, saying, ‘Go, present Continue Reading

Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Training a Servant

July 22, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Kings 17:1-7 for Sunday, July 5 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before Continue Reading

Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Legacy of the Kings

June 17, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Kings 11:29-33 & 38 for Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church ...when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Continue Reading

Taking a Spiritual Perspective: What’s the Point of a Temple?

June 15, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Kings 5:13-6:14 for Sunday, June 21 at Mosaic Baptist Church King Solomon conscripted forced labour out of all Israel; the levy numbered thirty thousand men. He sent them Continue Reading

Taking a Spiritual Perspective: Compromising for the Kingdom.

June 10, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Kings 11:1-8 for Sunday, June 14 at Mosaic Baptist Church King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Continue Reading

A Spiritual History: A Reflection on 1 Kings 14:19 and Deuteronomy 17:14-20

June 7, 2020 By Mark Beresford

For Sunday, June 7 at Mosaic Baptist Church And the remaining words of Jeroboam and all that he did - are these not written in the words of the book of the days of Judah's kings? 1 Kings Continue Reading

Living the Spirit: Pentecost

May 27, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A reflection on Acts 2:1-21 for the Day of Pentecost, May 31, 2020 at Mosaic - and around the world! Now when the Day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place. And suddenly Continue Reading

Living the Spirit: Embracing God’s Gifts

May 22, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-14 for Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church Now about the spiritual, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you Continue Reading

Living the Spirit: Bearing God’s Fruit

May 13, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Reflection on Galatians 5:13-26 for Sunday, May 17 at Mosaic Baptist Church For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for Continue Reading

Living the Resurrection: Daily Rising with Christ

May 8, 2020 By Mark Beresford

A Sermon on Romans 6:1-14 for May 3, 2020 at Mosaic Baptist Church Over the last few weeks we’ve been considering the death and resurrection of Jesus. We remembered and celebrated the events of Continue Reading

Promised Presence: A Reflection on John 14:15-21

May 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

(for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020) ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever.  This is Continue Reading

Living the Spirit: Hearing God’s Voice – A Reflection on Joel 2:25-32

May 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

For Sunday, May 10 at Mosaic Baptist Church I will repay you for the years    that the swarming locust has eaten,the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,    my great army, which I sent against Continue Reading

Knowing the Father: A Reflection on John 14:1-14

May 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

(for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020) Photo: Jude Beck (Unsplash.com) ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house Continue Reading

A Familiar Voice: A Reflection on John 10:1-10

April 26, 2020 By Mark Beresford

(for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020) ‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.  The Continue Reading

A Final Prayer: A Reflection on John 17:1-11

April 25, 2020 By Mark Beresford

(for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24, 2020) After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify Continue Reading

The Gathering Christ: A Reflection on Luke 24:13-35 (for the Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020)

April 23, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Mike Keneally (Unsplash.com) Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things Continue Reading

Living the Resurrection: Rising – A Reflection on Romans 6:1-14 (for Sunday, May 3, 2020)

April 22, 2020 By Mark Beresford

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised Continue Reading

Living the Resurrection: Hoping – A Reflection on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 & 26-28 (for Sunday, April 26, 2020)

April 21, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been Continue Reading

Living the Resurrection: Believing – A Reflection on John 20:19-31 (for the Second Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2020)

April 14, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Emily Morter (Unsplash.com) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came Continue Reading

Seeing With Jesus: Seeing the Empty Tomb – A Reflection on Mark 16:1-8 (for Easter Sunday)

April 12, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Mitchell Orr (Unsplash.com) When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on Continue Reading

Burying their Dead: A Reflection on John 19:38-42 (For Saturday in Holy Week)

April 11, 2020 By Mark Beresford

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him Continue Reading

Seeing With Jesus: What Do You See? A Reflection on Mark 8:27-33 & 9:30-32 (For Good Friday)

April 9, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Joe Beck (Unsplash.com) Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, Continue Reading

A Cosmic Kneeling: A Reflection on John 13:1-17 (For Maundy Thursday)

April 8, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Krists Luhaers (Unsplash.com) Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the Continue Reading

Dinner Downer: A Reflection on John 13:21-32 (For Wednesday in Holy Week)

April 8, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Brett Jordan (Unsplash.com) After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’  The disciples looked at one another, Continue Reading

Visioning Jesus: A Reflection on John 12:20-36 (for Tuesday in Holy Week)

April 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and Continue Reading

Extravagant Beauty: A Reflection on John 12:1-11 (For Monday in Holy Week)

April 5, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Prateek Pratyal (Unsplash.com) Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha Continue Reading

Seeing With Jesus: What Do You See? A Reflection on Mark 8:22-26

April 1, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo by Pixabay (Freephotos.cc) They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him.  He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the Continue Reading

Seeing With Jesus: What Do the Old Guard See? A Reflection on Mark 12:1-12

March 27, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash.com) Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he Continue Reading

Seeing With Jesus: What Do Others See? #2 – A Reflection on Mark 10:46-52

March 20, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo: Viktor Talashuk (Unsplash.com) They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the Continue Reading

Seeing with Jesus: What do Others See? #1 – A Reflection on Mark 10:17-31

March 20, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon (Unsplash.com) As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus Continue Reading

Seeing with Jesus: What do the Spirits See? A Reflection on Mark 5:1-20

March 15, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Sunday, March 15, 2020 The Exorcism of the Gerasenes Demoniac - by Sebastien Bourdon (1653-1657). They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had Continue Reading

Seeing with Jesus: What did Jesus See? # 2 – A Reflection on Mark 2:13-17.

March 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Reflection #2 for Sunday, March 8, 2020 (Photo: Jon Tyson, Unsplash.com) Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was Continue Reading

Seeing with Jesus: What Did Jesus See? #1 – A Reflection on Mark 2:1-12.

March 6, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Reflection #1 for Sunday, March 8, 2020 Photo: Edi Libedinsky (Unsplash.com) When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.  So many gathered Continue Reading

The Heart of the Church: Integrating Faith into Our Everyday – A Reflection on Joshua 24: 14-28

February 27, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Sunday, March, 1, 2020 Photo: Tim Mossholder (Unsplash.com). ‘Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors Continue Reading

The Heart of the Church: Impact Beyond these Walls – A Reflection on Galatians 5:1-14

February 20, 2020 By Mark Beresford

Perry Grone: Unsplash.com For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be Continue Reading

The Heart of the Church: Deep and Authentic Relationships – A Reflection on Ephesians 2:11-22

February 12, 2020 By Mark Beresford

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that Continue Reading

A Living Lent

May 12, 2015 By Mark Beresford

This sermon was originally preached in the parish of St Barnabas, Charnwood in 2015. The readings are the same ones set for Sunday, 21 February, 2021 - so I offer it again for your Continue Reading

Finding Your Audience: A Reflection on Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-21

February 4, 2013 By Mark Beresford

‘Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as Continue Reading

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