The sermon, “In Renounce All Evil,” centres on rejecting all evil and injustice in our world and actively demonstrating love and care for others.
Drawing on familiar stories, parables from the Gospel, and contemporary cultural references, we emphasise expressing Christ’s sacrificial love through our actions. Using insights from country music, scriptures, and science fiction, he encourages the congregation to reflect on their commitment to love and care.
Use is made in the example of a male emu, as related in First Nation folklore, to illustrate heartfelt care and devotion. Mirroring this imagery with that of the Good Shepherd, he challenges the audience to show love and care akin to Jesus Christ. In referring to different Biblical passages, he emphasises the transformative power of love and its role in overcoming the darkness in the world. Being recipients of Christ’s boundless love empowers us to embody this love, extend compassion to those in need, and make a positive impact.
Towards concluding the sermon, an example is given from the television series “Doctor Who” to highlight the enduring struggle between good and evil. He highlights the significance of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and love to triumph over evil. He encourages the congregation to consider if they could be the Body of Christ in the world today, spreading love and compassion and fighting for justice and reconciliation.
In response to recent global events, we are all called upon the congregation to act as Jesus’s voice and hands, expressing their love through actions, as Peter, John, Paul, and Jesus once did. The sermon concludes by urging the congregation to grow in love and attunement to the Good Shepherd’s voice, thereby contributing to positive change in the world.
Breaking Open 