Reflection given at St Philip’s Avondale Square for Holy Tuesday Mass Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ 22 Philip went and told Andrew; thenContinue reading “Holy Tuesday 2021”
Author Archives: Josh Mock
Loving God in All Our Queerness
This reflection was given at SCM London’s prayer service to mark LGBTQ+ History Month 2021. 28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ 29 Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord ourContinue reading “Loving God in All Our Queerness”
Beatitudes for a Tough Year
CW: This post mentions death, mental health, and violence. Readers’ discrection is advised. 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,Continue reading “Beatitudes for a Tough Year”
America’s Last Chance? A Reflection on the 2020 Election
Growing up, I was fascinated by my American heritage. Proud to say that I wasn’t just British, I was constantly researching Washington State (where my father is from) and thinking about what it would be like to live there. I’ve twice had the privilege to visit my family there and some of my fondest memoriesContinue reading “America’s Last Chance? A Reflection on the 2020 Election”
Lebanon: How Did We Get Here?
Once admired as a beacon of stability in an increasingly unstable region, Lebanon is currently a nation in crisis. The country is facing its worst economic crash in the modern era. The local currency, the Lebanese Lira, lost 60% of its value over June 2020, as well as decreasing in value by 80% since OctoberContinue reading “Lebanon: How Did We Get Here?”
IR Made Easy: The Israel–United Arab Emirates Peace Agreement
In a surprise statement from US President Donald Trump this week, it was announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel have signed an historic peace deal aimed at normalising relations between the two nations. Coming at a time of heightened regional tensions surrounding Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank, theContinue reading “IR Made Easy: The Israel–United Arab Emirates Peace Agreement”
IR Made Easy: The Riyadh Agreement on Yemen
Since withdrawing from the Riyadh Agreement in January 2020 in protest against violence in Shabwa province and declaring self-rule in April 2020, southern separatists in Yemen, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have now announced that they will abandon their aspirations of autonomy in order to implement the peace deal with the government ofContinue reading “IR Made Easy: The Riyadh Agreement on Yemen”
Unconditional Generosity: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When itContinue reading “Unconditional Generosity: Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand”
IR Made Easy: Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
Countries around the world are struggling to cope with the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Lebanon was heading towards crisis before the virus became an issue. Once admired as a beacon of stability in an increasingly unstable region, Lebanon is facing an unprecedented economic crash and a massive rise in poverty. So what’sContinue reading “IR Made Easy: Lebanon’s Economic Crisis”
The Silent Majority – Why Iranians Didn’t Vote
On 21 February Iranians voted in the Republic’s eleventh parliamentary elections, yielding a landslide victory for conservatives in the 290-Seat majlis. However, the country saw its lowest turn-out since the 1979 Revolution with ballot boxes being boycotted by reformists. The mass disqualification of reformists and incumbents, paired with growing domestic dissatisfaction towards the governing regimeContinue reading “The Silent Majority – Why Iranians Didn’t Vote”
