South Sydney Uniting Church is ecumenical (e.g. supporting the National and World Council of Churches) and inclusive,
affirming the gifts of people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities. We seek peace with justice,
and the integrity of creation. We celebrate a service of Word and Sacrament (Eucharist) each Sunday at 10am.

"We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land: the Gadigal people of the Eora nation."

56a Raglan Street
Waterloo NSW 2017
Phone/Fax: 02 9319 1373

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Rev. Andrew Collis
Mobile: 0438 719 470

Homily
Epiphany 6, Year A
South Sydney Uniting Church
February 16, 2020

Sirach 15:15-20; Psalm 119; Matthew 5:21-37

‘Authenticity’

The Sermon on the Mount is both inspiring and disturbing. With a gesture toward Moses at Mount Sinai, Jesus interprets Torah for a Galilean people fragmented and hurting. In the Spirit, Jesus addresses us. God be with you …

Beatitude is presented in images of non-grasping, non-competitive co-existence. Blessings flow to and from those engaged in faithful and hopeful work – works of mourning, peacemaking and solidarity. We imagine interesting and interested people – salt of the earth and light of the world – artists and activists, spiritual guardians and siblings, comrades.

Today’s reading centres on authenticity as integration of word and deed, behaviour and desire; integration of habits and rituals, public and private identities. A perjorative utterance (raca/reca/idiot/fool/nobody/nothing!), Jesus says, reveals a disrespectful heart. Murder and adultery are powered by unchecked anger, objectifying lust. Long-winded, sanctimonious speeches mask insecurity and immaturity.

Authenticity, or integrity, unmasks …

Scholars Norrie and Heather remind us the Greek word “hypocrite” refers to a masked performer. Not to denigrate the noble art of acting (artistic performance entails real courage and honesty), but to emphasise a major theme of the Sermon: authentic faith, authentic faithfulness builds consistency, dependable virtue, safe community, right relationship; authentic faithfulness embodies the wisdom of Sophia herself (freedom “to keep the commandments”), the very wisdom of Jesus who builds a house/church upon the rock of divine love for the world.

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The church, hall and garden are accessible by way of paths and ramps. The toilets, sinks and shower, located in the hall, are wheelchair accessible. Please ask if further assistance is required.

The Orchard Gallery (artist run space) invites applications for exhibitions

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On Sundays, the church, hall and garden are used exclusively for the worship and ministry activities of South Sydney Uniting Church. From Monday to Saturday we offer our church and hall for the use of others. Read More

This month – February

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, February 1, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Children's Activities: Sunday, February 2 & 16, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, February 2, 12-1pm at the Church.

Art Class: Saturday, February 8 & 22, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, February 9, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, February 13, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Pastoral Care: Saturday, February 15 for Elders.

Birthday Celebrations: Sunday, February 16, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month.

Liturgy Resource / Worship Planning: Sunday, February 16, 12pm at the Church.

Music Jam: Friday, February 21, 3-4:30pm in the Church. A time to learn, share and workshop songs. Bring your instrument and ideas.

Choir Practice: Sunday, February 23, 12-1:30pm at the Church.

Next month – March

Children's Activities: Sunday, March 1 & 15, 10am. During church services, activities for children.

Gospel Conversation: Sunday, March 1, 12-1pm at the Church.

Wordplay Poetry Group: Saturday, March 7, 12pm meet at the Church. Bring along a favourite piece of writing and/or something you’ve written. All welcome.

Contemplation/Meditation: Sunday, March 8, 12-1pm in the Church.

Bible Study: Thursday, March 12, 7-9pm at the manse. A light supper will be served, all welcome!

Art Class: Saturday, March 14 & 28, 12-4pm in the Church Hall. Gold coin donation.

Birthday Celebrations: Sunday, March 15, following the church service. After church during morning tea enjoy cake and celebrate with everyone having a birthday this month.

Liturgy Resource / Worship Planning: Sunday, March 15, 12pm at the Church.

Music Jam: Friday, March 20, 3-4:30pm in the Church. A time to learn, share and workshop songs. Bring your instrument and ideas.

Pastoral Care: Saturday, March 21 for Elders.

Choir Practice: Sunday, March 22, 12-1:30pm at the Church.