For over thirty years Alan Neale has spoken with passion, relevance, authenticity and humor of themes that are profound and pressing; the profound he makes simple and accessible, the pressing he makes immediate and welcoming. All these years past have provided little time for Alan to write extensively and so now he begins a long-postponed desire and there are many themes waiting to be translated into books; the task is daunting and enthralling and he longs to begin in 2015
Can’t see the forest for the trees? Can’t see your own problem for focus on others? Having the infamous “log in our own eyes” not only prevents us from getting near to others, it prevents us helping others and it causes much distraction in our lives. Mark 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting… Continue reading
Mark 2 1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren’t able to get in because… Continue reading
Mark 1 21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit… Continue reading
On countless occasions, people have come visit me to share deep pain and anguish they suffer because of “names” they have been called; sometimes this goes back to early childhood and beyond, sometimes it is far more recent. The Gospel message, the covenant promise of God’s love, liberates us from the effects of “name calling”… Continue reading
Some are called to follow Jesus “and catch people for the Kingdom”, others are called to follow Jesus “and mend nets” – repairing what is broken, disconnected for the sake and purpose of the Gospel.
Today’s Lenten reflections reminds us that name-calling can easily denigrate, degrade and debase; this is an evil work, the work of Satan (the Accuser of the Brethren). Thus was Jesus tempted/tested in the wilderness by Satan/The Accuser. May we have grace to listen to those who affirm, and may we have grace to share in… Continue reading
Just doing “the next right thing” requires a lot of trust and faith in our Loving Lord… who will always lead us to good pasture and good experiences of Her/His grace
Here is our call to surrender, submit, be submerged in forgiveness and in power.
Welcome to this journey of Lent, may it truly be a constant experience of “new beginnings” in company with God.
“Pity the soul for whom the absence of ‘alleluia’ is no chore, no bore, no pain…” The sermon text is below the sermon audio… Sermon preached at St. Stephen’s Church, Goldsboro NC. February 14 2021 by the Reverend Alan Neale “Why no alleluias?” Today is the last Sunday of Epiphany, the last Sunday before… Continue reading