The Box and the Basket: A Lesson in Humility
Using a shiny box and a humble basket, Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector teaches us that God fills those who are open and humble, not those who are closed off in pride.
Michael Earl
Current Minister in placement at Bowral/Mittagong UCA (11years), formally minister at Wesley Mission, Sydney (4years), keen cyclist, chess player, and father of 4 growing children, married to Lucy.
19th October 2025 (Year C – Pentecost 19) “The Widow’s Might”
Jesus is at it again, offering a mysterious and perplexing teaching about ‘Prayer’. There are many ways at looking at this parable. The Widow teaches us about God and ourselves and it teaches the way of Jesus. Sometimes we may be the widow, sometimes the judge!.
19th October 2025 (Year C – Pentecost 19) “The Widow’s Might”
Jesus is at it again, offering a mysterious and perplexing teaching about ‘Prayer’. There are many ways at looking at this parable. The Widow teaches us about God and ourselves and it teaches the way of Jesus. Sometimes we may be the widow, sometimes the judge!.
28th May 2023 (Year A Pentecost) “The Breath of God”
The scared and frightened followers were hiding in a locked room – into that fear Jesus came and said, ‘Peace be with you’.<br /> The heart of Jesus is to give peace and to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.<br /> The breath of the Holy Spirit is transformative. Wherever it blows it will bring new life and vitality.
28th May 2023 (Year A Pentecost) “The Breath of God”
The scared and frightened followers were hiding in a locked room – into that fear Jesus came and said, ‘Peace be with you’.<br /> The heart of Jesus is to give peace and to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.<br /> The breath of the Holy Spirit is transformative. Wherever it blows it will bring new life and vitality.
21st May 2023 (Year A Easter 7) “Why the Ascension Matters”
Sometimes images don’t help us understand the real meaning.<br /> Many paintings of the Ascension are like this.<br /> Jesus gave the real message, “You will be my witnesses”<br /> So as Christians we need to get on with it – visiting, clothing and feeding those in need – shifting our gaze from vertical to horizontal.
21st May 2023 (Year A Easter 7) “Why the Ascension Matters”
Sometimes images don’t help us understand the real meaning.<br /> Many paintings of the Ascension are like this.<br /> Jesus gave the real message, “You will be my witnesses”<br /> So as Christians we need to get on with it – visiting, clothing and feeding those in need – shifting our gaze from vertical to horizontal.