Posted on: March 31st, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Easter morning holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it symbolizes hope, renewal, and triumph over darkness. In the Gospel accounts, the story of Mary Magdalene’s encounter at Jesus’s tomb resonates deeply, offering profound insights into the transformative power of resurrection. Let’s delve into Mary’s journey and reflect on the significance of this pivotal moment in Christian faith.
Encountering the Empty Tomb:
On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene arrived at Jesus’s tomb, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Her initial reaction was one of confusion and fear, assuming that someone had taken Jesus’s body. As she relayed this news to the disciples, a series of encounters unfolded that would change their lives forever.
A Revelation of Angels:
As Mary stood by the tomb, weeping and bewildered, she encountered two angels who helped her comprehend the profound significance of the empty tomb. Their presence illuminated the reality of resurrection, a concept unprecedented in human history. Mary, along with the disciples, witnessed a new chapter unfolding, challenging their understanding of reality itself.
Experiencing Resurrection:
The core message of Easter crystallized as Mary encountered the risen Jesus. What was once a theological concept became a tangible reality as she heard the words, “I am the resurrection and the life,” spoken by the living Christ. In that moment, resurrection ceased to be a distant promise and became a lived experience, transforming Mary’s perception of the world.
A New Creation Unfolding:
Through Jesus’s resurrection, a new world emerged, breaking into the familiar landscape of human existence. The boundaries of reality expanded, inviting believers to view life through a lens of divine intervention and redemption. The resurrection event signified a paradigm shift, where the old gave way to the new, and hope triumphed over despair.
Bearing Witness to Resurrection:
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate Mary’s example and bear witness to the transformative power of resurrection. Our task is to share how we have seen God’s hand at work in our lives and the world around us. By extending love, forgiveness, and service to others, we embody the essence of resurrection living, offering a glimpse of God’s redemptive power to those in need.
Living in the Light of Resurrection:
The resurrection of Jesus invites us to live with a renewed perspective, grounded in the eternal hope of new life. In a world marked by uncertainty and fleeting pleasures, the resurrection challenges us to prioritize enduring values over material gain. By embracing the reality of resurrection, we transcend the limitations of earthly existence and participate in the unfolding story of God’s redemption.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on Mary Magdalene’s encounter on that first Easter morning, we are reminded of the profound impact of resurrection on human consciousness. The empty tomb serves as a symbol of divine transformation, inviting us to embrace a reality where death is conquered, and new life emerges. May we, like Mary, become bearers of resurrection hope, illuminating the world with the light of Christ’s victory over darkness.
Posted on: March 24th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
As I stand before the congregation on this Palm Sunday, I am reminded of the profound significance of the Eucharist in our Christian faith journey. Today, I want to share with you the reflections and insights that have been stirring in my heart as we delve into the depths of this sacred meal.
The Tradition of Receiving Holy Communion
Growing up, I eagerly awaited the moment when I would be allowed to partake in Holy Communion. I vividly remember the anticipation and awe I felt as I witnessed the older members of the congregation approach the altar. The solemnity of receiving the wafer and sipping from the communal cup left an indelible mark on my young heart.
Understanding the True Meaning
It wasn’t until later in life that I truly grasped the depth of what the Eucharist represents. Beyond the ritualistic elements of bread and wine lies a profound act of self-offering and redemption. Jesus imbued these simple elements with new meaning, symbolizing his sacrificial love for all of God’s people.
Journeying Beyond Palm Sunday
Just as the disciples journeyed with Jesus beyond the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we too are called to move beyond the symbolic waving of palms. The Eucharist serves as a tangible reminder of God’s saving presence among us, connecting past, present, and future believers in a sacred communion.
Finding Strength and Hope
In times of trial and tribulation, the memory of the Last Supper sustains us, just as it did for the disciples in the aftermath of Jesus’s crucifixion. The Eucharist provides us with the nourishment and strength we need to endure suffering and persecution, anchoring us in the hope of God’s redemptive love.
Embracing the Journey of Faith
As we embark on the solemn services of Holy Week, let us reflect on the life and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we draw courage and inspiration from the Eucharist, allowing it to fortify us in our Christian journey and empower us to be faithful witnesses of God’s sustaining grace.
Posted on: March 3rd, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
The crucifixion of Christ is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. This is because Jews wanted signs to believe in God, while Gentiles desired human wisdom to understand God.
However, Jesus addressed this in Matthew’s gospel when he spoke about the sign of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of a fish and emerged to proclaim a prophetic message of repentance, Jesus himself would rise from death on the third day. This resurrection would serve as the ultimate sign that Jesus was indeed the Messiah sent by God.
At the core of the gospel proclamation is Christ’s crucifixion, which necessarily precedes his resurrection. Through his crucifixion, God’s power to redeem and save humanity is displayed. It is not a human power but a divine power to save all of creation. This truth was reaffirmed for Theadore and others during their devotions at Stations of the Cross.
Consider the response during the devotions, where we say, “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.” This reaffirms the belief that in the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus, God’s power is revealed for the redemption and salvation of the world. This salvation extends beyond Christians and has a global impact.
In our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded of the grace of God. This grace, lavished upon humanity for salvation, is not initiated or originated by humans but is a gift from God. As Paul writes, “for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, so that no one can boast.”
This is the reason why boasting about one’s salvation is not appropriate. Salvation is a gift from God and is brought about through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is not something we have earned or achieved through our own efforts. The salvation we receive is a humble and grateful response to the gift of salvation freely given by God.
Throughout history, various religious traditions have added layers upon the worship of God. The scripture readings presented in today’s script help chip away at these additional layers and bring us back to the heart of worship. The passage from Exodus reminds us of God’s teachings, given to guide our relationship with God and with one another. The gospel passage shows Jesus zealously restoring the temple to be a house of prayer rather than a place of profit.
We invite all readers, regardless of their religion or background, to reflect on what is ultimately important in their religious response to the one true and living God. Is it about specific rituals, beliefs, or external practices, or is it about prioritizing the values of Christ and recognizing him as the living God?
It is crucial to avoid dumbing down religious truth claims to fit within the wisdom of this age. Instead, Theadore encourages everyone to humbly receive with reverence and thanksgiving the gift of salvation freely lavished upon us through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Luke writes in the Acts of the Apostles, “there is salvation in no one else…by which we must be saved.”
No matter where we find ourselves, no matter our social location or religious affiliation, Jesus Christ has been crucified for each one of us. The only religious response that truly matters is our grateful and sincere reception of this gift. It is through our response and reception of the crucified one that we truly worship.
We conclude by stating that our relationship with God and with one another is defined by our response to this gift of salvation. Our salvation does not rely on our efforts to save ourselves but on God’s power to save us. All other ground is sinking sand.
Reflect on the power of Christ’s crucifixion teaches us the importance of accepting God’s gift of salvation with humility and gratitude. Regardless of our background or beliefs, we are invited to recognize Jesus as the living God and respond to His sacrifice with sincere worship. May we always remember the centrality of Christ’s crucifixion in the gospel message and allow it to transform our lives.
(c) The Church of St Stephen, Downsview 2024-03-03
