Rev Shirley Murphy
The thoughts, reflections, faith stories and meanderings of an 
Anglican Priest

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it...

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. Matthew 12:14 If you really sit back and think about this,...

“If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men.” Matthew 12:7 The Apostles...

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 This invitation from Jesus is one...

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have...

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe...

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword....

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your...

“Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” Matthew 10:26b This is either a very consoling...

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves....

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Matthew 10:8b What is the cost of the Gospel? Can we put a price on it? ...

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every...

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and...

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The...

“Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the...

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered...

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I...

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2b This story concludes with...

“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail...

They came and woke Jesus, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”...