Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and … More Matthew 15:21–28 — Great Is Your Faith
He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and … More Faith and Perseverance — Matthew 13:31–33; Romans 8:38–39
A doctrine of the Trinity does not appear in the Hebrew scriptures, which centre on the oneness of God: “Hear O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone” (Deut 6:4 NRSV). The New Testament writers did not clearly explain how the Trinitarian unity of Father, Son, and Spirit preserved the oneness of God. … More From Nicaea evolved the creed of Epiphanius and its ratification by the Council of Constantinople
This paper examines the Trinitarian theology of Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296-373). His writings span more than forty years and played a significant role in shaping the Church’s understanding of God’s triunity. Athanasius’s notable works defend the Council of Nicaea in 325 and refute the Arian heresy. Athanasius defends the Nicene formula that the Son … More Athanasius of Alexandria
Reflection Peter and Paul are heroes of Christianity, and they are sometimes heroically depicted in church windows on either side of the risen Lord.But have you wondered what they were really like?There is no reliable account of Peter’s physical appearance. Yet his character emerges through his words, actions, failures, and growth. He was neither a … More Saints Peter & Paul
Today I invite you to reflect on five simple values that shape the Christian life: Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform, Treasure. These values arise from the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission, yet they are more than a description of what the Church does. They describe who we are called to become as followers of Jesus … More A Sense of Mission
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who … More God’s Plan for Salvation — Genesis 12:1–9
St Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547) is a foundational figure in Western Christian monasticism. He was driven by a desire for holiness. Born into a declining Roman world, he withdrew to seek God in solitude. In his early years as a hermit at Subiaco, he turned away from the world to pursue purity of heart. … More Saint Benedict
An Australian Benedictine Oblate of Jamberoo Abbey. Living in north-east Victoria. My father was a veteran who came to Australia after the end of World War II. His family originates from Utrecht in the Netherlands with a documented ancestry going back into the eighteenth century. My mother was a direct descendant of the English Beaufoy … More Bob van Oort
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … More Matthew 28:16-20
Reflection As we gather in the shadow of ANZAC Day — a day of remembrance, gratitude, and quiet solemnity — we remember those who served, those who suffered, and those who did not return. We honour courage, sacrifice, and endurance. Yet ANZAC Day is not only about memory; it is also about meaning. It confronts … More ANZAC Day
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, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” … More Mark 8:27-29
This passage assures readers—especially those facing exile—that God’s promise to David endures despite the loss of the temple and kingdom. God is not limited to an earthly temple and remains free and faithful, guaranteeing a future, everlasting Davidic kingdom. This oracle offered deep comfort both to its first hearers and to readers today by affirming … More Exegesis of 2 Samuel 7:1-17
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the … More Matthew 4:12-23
Benedictine Oblate Insights 