FaithJustice, as you might imagine, brings together young adults of faith with a concern for justice, asking themselves how to live out those principles in practical ways. One of the projects under that banner is the FaithJustice Bible Podcast, which usually produces short reflections on lectionary readings, looking at these old scriptures through the lens of contemporary justice issues.

We’ll be featuring some of these reflections going forward, as the first of some new ‘Sections’ within our Passio Project diet.

But for now, something a bit different again — as the FaithJustice Podcast recently interviewed Baptist pastor David Mann, about working in East London and resisting the culture of the Arms Trade there. David has been dedicated to East Ham, and Bonny Downs Baptist Church, for many years: he’s renowned and respected in his community, and he pulled no punches in this spiritual, practical conversation. Listen above.

“It needs a complete and utter change of thinking, from that war-like, aggressive stance, to a healing, collaborative stance: a real repentance on our part. For the government, but also for ourselves.”

"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!"

Matthew discusses the theme of fire, and what this symbol means for Jesus' mission and our discipleship.

Jesus digs into the root of the problem, fear; and we reflect on the challenges of slaves and masters in biblical texts.

Matthew explores how fear leads us into blindness to the poverty of those around us, while building bigger barns to store our wealth.

Luke's Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer, a call to Jubilee.

An extended version of the second reading for the 16th Sunday of ordinary time, year C.

Hosted by Sr. Katrina Alton

with Joanna Frew, Aisling Griffin and Matthew Neville.

Katrina Alton is a Sister of St Joseph of Peace, a Catholic religious order. She is a peace activist, and currently National Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales. She has a particular focus on the Spirituality and praxis of nonviolence as well as the formation of young peacemakers.

Joanna Frew is the Outreach Coordinator for the Rethinking Security network. She is an activist & researcher who has been involved in global economic justice, climate justice and anti-militarism work for 20 years. She is also a community gardener, historian of the British empire and lives in community with refugees and asylum seekers in north London.

Aisling Griffin works for Pax Christi England and Wales as their Schools and Youth Education Worker. A former secondary school teacher, she is particularly concerned about militarism of young people.

Matthew Neville is the coordinator of the FaithJustice Network for young adults, and the lead organiser of this year’s Peace Pilgrimage, walking from Oxford to London in September in witness against the DSEI arms fair. He is based in Birmingham, and involved in a range of Peace and faith based activism there.

15th Sunday of ordinary time, year C.

The parable of the Good Samaritan.

14th Week of ordinary time, year C.

Jesus sends out the seventy-two to preach a message of peace.

This week we're collaborating with our friends at SCM, Peace Pilgrimage and Just Money; for a discussion about the arms trade, pilgrimage and our personal finances.

SCM Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K5WY43VsMDucQPJftwZVA?si=4f5e788c77954eeb

Peace Pilgrimage Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HpcPSX9vRXoXBmohkrZvV?si=1ffe164d3ba74a50

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C.

Matthew reflects on Luke : Jesus questions the twelve about his identity, predicts his death and resurrection, and explains the consequences of discipleship.

with a reading from the ESV translation.

Beginning with a reading from the ESV (slightly adapted)

In this episode Matthew reflects on a chapter which talks about resurrection.

This chapter gives us the second reading for the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Sundays in ordinary time, year C.

Questions for Discussion

1) What are your initial reactions, emotions, when reading the text?

2) Do you believe in resurrection of the dead? Either in Jesus’ case, or our own?

3) What is the place of Jesus’ death and resurrection our own lives? How does our own personal theology, understanding of God, emerge from our encounters with the death and resurrection of Jesus?

4) Paul speaks about the present as an in-between time, between Christ’s resurrection, and a final universal resurrection. How do you understand this in-between time? What does it mean to live in our pre-resurrected form?

5) Paul speaks of a casting down of all powers and authorities, how do you understand this? Is it something you look forward to, or fear?

6) How, and how often, do you engage with final salvation? How does this faith (or lack of faith) guide you?