Australia now is a multi-cultural nation. In that way, it's similar to the environment where Christ first announced the Good News. In today's Gospel, we have the good news shared with an outsider, a foreigner, and a woman (all categories that good Jewish men then shunned). We are the people of God, called to live and serve as he did -- without barriers. [ Instrumental - Pentecost 10 - Baptism of Willow M ]

God has treasure waiting for each of us, treasure we need to uncover. To find it we need three things: a map that marks the spot (where the spot is compassion); motivation, which is our personal responsibility; and we need God's miracles, blessing what we give and multiplying it to bring blessing to others. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 8 ]

We are stirred by big dreams, and need big visions for following God's purposes. We need a growing awareness of his presence, and of the way our lives (where we are) belong to him. We carry the Spirit with us wherever we go. And this means that it is a time to make vows. Jacob made three vows: submission to God; to be a temple of the Holy Spirit; and to give generously. Jacob's vision of a stairway to heaven encourages us, too, to live as children of God. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 6 ]

Each generation thinks they will make good the world. But the generation that Jesus wants is characterised by three things: on-going repentence, on-going action, and then a generation that can rest in Christ. In fact, this is not any single generation, but all generations together. [ Organ - Pentecost 4 ]

Here in Australia, we know nothing like the persecution of Christians taking place in other parts of the world. We face only mockery and the corruption of the symbols of our faith in the service of Mammon. Jesus warned that following him would be tough: look what they did to the Master. But he encourages us to keep the faith, for this alone is the path to salvation. [ Organ/Choir - Pentecost 2 - Baptism of Felix C ]