St Paul's Cathedral

Is Christ on the cross our brother in suffering or our King in triumph? Jesus’ death is at the heart of Christianity, but the four Gospel accounts are very different and the cross has been seen as both the throne of God’s glory and the place of ultimate desolation and defeat. In addition we have 2,000 years of interpretations, paintings, poems, theologies and liturgies that add to the complexity, and sometimes to the confusion. Paula Gooder and Mark Oakley will look at different aspects of the cross through the gospels and poetry, exploring some of what we might learn from it not only of sin and reconciliation, but also of new life, love, freedom and creation made new. Recorded 13 March 2018 at St Paul's Cathedral.

Part of the 2018 Lent Sermon Series: Reel Spirituality - Faith and Film. The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Precentor, explores the film 'The Dresser' directed by Peter Yates (1983) and the ways in which it might open up our understanding of God, the world and the life of faith. Sermon recorded at Evensong on Sunday 11 March 2018.

The Psalms are a unique treasury of spiritual insights, central to both Jewish and Christian devotional life. They were also Jesus’ own prayer book, and are full of themes and experiences which fitted and illuminate his life and story, as they do ours. But they move from exquisite beauty and praise to despair and even vitriolic anger, and need wise interpretation. Megan Daffern describes them as Songs of the Spirit; timeless, making connections between past and present, and allowing us to come closer to God in prayer. She will explore some of what she has learnt from studying, translating and praying these extraordinary songs of hope, challenge and wisdom. The Revd Dr Megan Daffern is Chaplain at Jesus College Oxford and lectures in Old Testament at the University of Oxford. Her latest book is Songs of the Spirit: A Psalm a Day for Lent and Easter (SPCK 2017) which includes her own fresh translations of the Psalms. Recorded on 4 March 2018.

Part of the 2018 Lent Sermon Series: Reel Spirituality - Faith and Film. The Reverend James Milne, Minor Canon and Sacrist, explores the film 'The Shawshank Redemption' directed by Frank Darabont (1994) and the ways in which it might open up our understanding of God, the world and the life of faith. Sermon recorded at Evensong on Sunday 4 March 2018.

A conversation in which Andrew Carwood, Director of Music, and Canon Mark Oakley, Chancellor, discuss Bach’s St Matthew Passion. The conversation refers to two upcoming events - a reflective day about Bach’s St Matthew Passion taking place on 17 March and a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion taking place at the Cathedral on 21 March. Bach's intense masterpiece narrates the events leading to the crucifixion of Christ and will be sung by St Paul's Cathedral Choir and Chorus, with the City of London Sinfonia. Further details on how to book tickets can be found at https://www.stpauls.co.uk/easter (Conversation recorded on Wednesday 28 February 2018).

Part of the 2018 Lent Sermon Series: Reel Spirituality - Faith and Film. The Reverend Canon Jonathan Brewster, Canon Treasurer, explores the film 'Lion' directed by Garth Davis (2016) and the ways in which it might open up our understanding of God, the world and the life of faith. Sermon recorded at Evensong on Sunday 25 February 2018.

Part of the 2018 Lent Sermon Series: Reel Spirituality - Faith and Film. The Reverend Canon Tricia Hillas, Canon Pastor, explores the film 'Silence' directed by Martin Scorsese (2016) and the ways in which it might open up our understanding of God, the world and the life of faith. Sermon recorded at Evensong on Sunday 18 February 2018.

Sermon from the Ash Wednesday Sung Eucharist with the Imposition of the Ashes by Canon Mark Oakley. Recorded Wednesday 14 February 2018.

Recording of Session 2 - Please note that this podcast has been edited to remove some inaudible audience questions. Around the year 30 AD, in an insignificant province of the Roman Empire, a Jewish prophet, teacher and healer met with a shameful and brutal end on a Roman cross. 2,000 years later, this obscure figure has over two billion followers and is acknowledged as the most influential person ever to have walked the earth. As people of faith, we know Jesus through the Gospels. But scholarly enquiry into the historical figure of Jesus has brought new insight and illumination. In this study afternoon we will look at Jesus in his historical context: his Jewish heritage, his message, friends and enemies, his execution, and ask what difference this understanding makes to us as Christians in the 21st century. Professor Helen Bond is Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh. She has contributed to a number of BBC TV documentaries, and her books include Jesus: A Very Brief History (SPCK 2017) and The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed (T&T Clark 2012). Recorded 10 February 2018.

Recording of Session 1 - Please note that this podcast has been edited to remove some inaudible audience questions. Around the year 30 AD, in an insignificant province of the Roman Empire, a Jewish prophet, teacher and healer met with a shameful and brutal end on a Roman cross. 2,000 years later, this obscure figure has over two billion followers and is acknowledged as the most influential person ever to have walked the earth. As people of faith, we know Jesus through the Gospels. But scholarly enquiry into the historical figure of Jesus has brought new insight and illumination. In this study afternoon we will look at Jesus in his historical context: his Jewish heritage, his message, friends and enemies, his execution, and ask what difference this understanding makes to us as Christians in the 21st century. Professor Helen Bond is Professor of Christian Origins at the University of Edinburgh. She has contributed to a number of BBC TV documentaries, and her books include Jesus: A Very Brief History (SPCK 2017) and The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed (T&T Clark 2012). Recorded 10 February 2018.