Archive for June, 2025
Posted on: June 29th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
By Fr Donald Butler
It's a pleasure to be here with so many familiar faces I've met over the years during my ministry in Toronto. This community holds a special place in my heart, and as we embark on this journey together, I pray for God's blessing as you discern your next incumbent.
A Pivotal Moment in Our Journey
Today, I want us to pause and reflect on the gospel reading from St. Luke's Gospel, chapter nine, verses 51 to 62. We find Jesus at a pivotal moment in his ministry, a time of transition and change. This moment was significant, leading to something rewarding and exceptional, not only for those during His time but also for us today.
When Jesus turned toward Jerusalem, the spiritual center, He faced a path of suffering and death but ultimately one of resurrection and glory. As we consider our own periods of pivot, I ask you: what do you want to achieve? Where will you turn your head? What is it that you are searching for?
Followers with Zest: The Disciples' Zeal
In this passage, Jesus interacts with two groups. The first is His disciples, such as James and John, who were fiercely loyal. When a Samaritan town rejected Jesus, they wanted to call down fire in retaliation. But Jesus rebuked them, teaching that His kingdom is one of love, not violence. The willingness of the disciples to learn from their mistakes serves as an example for us all. No matter where we stand in our spiritual journey, Jesus is there to guide us.
A Call to Total Commitment
The narrative shifts when three individuals either declare or are invited to follow Jesus. The first individual expresses eagerness to follow Jesus, but Jesus responds that even animals have homes, emphasizing the discomfort and uncertainty they must be willing to endure. This reminds us that to truly embrace Jesus, we must be prepared for unpredictability.
The second person wished to bury his father before following Jesus, to which Jesus responded, "Let the dead bury their own dead." This may seem harsh, but during that time, burial could be delayed indefinitely. Jesus emphasized the urgency and immediacy in the call to follow Him.
Finally, a third person wanted to say goodbye before committing to Jesus. But Jesus’ response highlights that true commitment must prioritize moving forward without looking back.
Two Paths: Commitment or Hesitation
We are presented with a choice in this scripture: a path of wholehearted commitment, passion, and willingness to follow Jesus without conditions, or a path cluttered with excuses and divided attention. Jesus isn't calling perfect people; He’s calling committed ones, those ready to walk this path with all of their imperfections.
Walking with Jesus Today
In our modern world, following Jesus means building a relationship rooted in trust and faith amidst uncertainty. It means serving others, reflecting His love in our communities, and allowing His teachings to guide our actions. The challenges we encounter can test our faith, but perseverance leads to a deeper understanding of His purpose for us.
The choice is ours to embrace a journey marked by devotion, even as we stumble and learn. Jesus calls us not tomorrow, but now—to walk with Him imperfect as we are. May we choose to serve Him with unwavering faith and undeterred spirit.
Amen.
Posted on: June 22nd, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
As we reflect on the readings for the second Sunday in Pentecost, we are presented with an inspiring overview of how Jesus guides us through life's toughest challenges. These challenges are brought to light through four distinct yet profound situations: facing hostility, enduring ridicule for faith, grappling with mental illness, and experiencing rejection due to minority gender identity. These reflections aim to unravel Jesus's responses and guidance on navigating these adversities.
Facing Hostility and Fear: Elijah’s Story
One of my personal favorite Bible stories is about Elijah, who found himself isolated and fearful on Mount Horeb. This narrative resonates deeply with me, particularly as I have recounted during significant moments of my spiritual journey, such as my ordination. It speaks of divine purpose, affirming that even in fear, God’s plans propel us forward into transformative missions.
Ridicule and Faith: Hope in the Psalms
We often encounter skepticism about our faith, sometimes ridiculed for our beliefs, much like the psalmist laments in Psalms 42 and 43. However, these writings remind us to steadfastly hope in God. The promise of praise and divine help is ever-present, fortifying our spirits amidst doubt and taunting.
Addressing Mental Illness: Compassion in Action
The Gospel of Luke portrays an encounter with a man believed to be possessed by demons—a reflection of how mental illness was perceived in Jesus's time. Jesus’s actions were transformative, restoring the man’s dignity and sanity, illustrating compassion and understanding that inspire today’s caregivers dedicated to mental health.
Embracing All Genders: A Call for Inclusion
As we observe Pride Month, the message from Galatians stands salient—calling us to recognize the unity in Christ that transcends socio-cultural boundaries, including gender. Despite opposition within segments of the Church, this scriptural assurance affirms the dignity and identity of our LGBTQ siblings.
Conclusion: Timeless Principles of Compassion
The teachings of Jesus endure as a beacon of compassion and inclusive understanding. While societal contexts have shifted, His wisdom remains crucial, guiding us towards acceptance and courage. May these reflections offer blessings and insight throughout this pride month and beyond.
Posted on: June 8th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
As I stand before you today, surrounded by familiar faces and a community that has become like family, I find it both a privilege and a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to Father Theodore Hunt and his family. Over the past eight years, Father Hunt has been an integral part of our lives at the Church of St. Stephen Downsview. His wisdom, humor, and dedication have touched us all deeply.
Honoring Father Theodore and His Family
Our journey today begins with reflections from our beloved Sunday School, led by the youthful voices who hold the future of our faith. They shared heartfelt messages of gratitude, underscoring the joy and lessons imbibed from Father Hunt. We are reminded that while paths may diverge, God's love remains our guide.
Throughout the day, we heard from various community members who share Father Hunt's passion for fostering interpersonal relationships. Brother David from the Sierra Leonean community and Ms. Cheryl Prescod from the Black Creek Community Health Center offered words of thanks, highlighting Father Hunt's seamless integration into our diverse community, transforming mere acquaintances into familial bonds.
The Church Leadership's Tribute
Representatives from the wardens and other ministries shared their appreciation for Father Hunt. They spoke of his unwavering commitment to nurturing our parish, his ability to inspire through his sermons, and the personal touch he brought to every aspect of church life. Father Hunt didn't just minister to us; he walked with us, celebrating joys and offering solace in times of need.
A Musical Farewell
The choir and music ministry underscored the deep impact Father Hunt has had on us. His unique ability to lead without a glance at the hymn sheet and his incredible memory are matched only by his authentic and heartfelt participation in every service.
Personal Reflections
As this event unfolded, I stood as a witness to Father Hunt's influence, echoing the sentiments expressed throughout the day. Relationships built here are real and lasting, and as Father Hunt transitions to a new community at Christchurch, Brampton, his presence will be missed greatly.
A Final Blessing and Gratitude
In conclusion, Father Hunt blessed us with words of gratitude, reminding us that relationships formed here are genuine. As we say farewell, we do so knowing that his time with us has not only been a chapter in his life but also an indelible mark on ours. It is with heartfelt thanks and blessings that we let him go, praying for continued success and divine guidance as he embarks on this new journey.
Let us continue to love and serve one another as we have been taught, welcoming new members with open arms, and witnessing the transformative power of faith and community.
Posted on: June 1st, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
As we gather to mark the occasion of the Ascension, our reflections find anchor in Acts 1:6, where the disciples ask Jesus if now is the time He will restore the kingdom to Israel.
The Significance of the Ascension
Today, we commemorate Jesus Christ's ascension, where He, in the presence of His disciples, transcended bodily to assume His rightful place at the Father's right hand. Through His death, He conquered death itself, absolving the world's sins. What Jesus accomplished is for the salvation of all creation, impacting every life regardless of individual beliefs about Him as Savior and Lord. Paul speaks to this enduring rule in his letters to the Corinthians: "He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet; the last enemy to be destroyed is death."
Living in the 'In-Between'
We exist in a period 'between'—after Christ's ascension and before His final return. It's a time marked by His decisive victory over evil, sin, and death on the cross, transforming evil and sin's ultimate power into fleeting discomforts. Reflecting on the early disciples’ experience post-resurrection, we relate to their moments of questioning, "What has truly changed?" when the world continues much as before. Yet, Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit offers new power and purpose—to be His witnesses not just in close proximity but to the ends of the earth.
The Call to Witness
Jesus's message to His disciples emphasized the need to focus not on the timing of God’s final reign but rather on witnessing His salvation to the world. Each step, starting from Jerusalem rippling outward, reflects this call to action. Jesus said, "I am sending upon you what my Father promised," asserting His divine authority and gifts of the Spirit, emphasizing our roles as His 'sent ones'—making known God’s plan through our lives and testimonies.
Mission in the Present Age
In this interim between Ascension and Return, likened to a 'mopping up operation' following a victorious battle, our mission is clear: to proclaim Christ’s victory, despite persistent pockets of resistance. The world’s evils, while still present, are defeated forces, awaiting their end at Christ’s return. We are to affirm this good news and the reign of Jesus, whose peace doesn’t fit worldly expectations but calls us into a reign characterized by love and humble service.
Facing the Future with Purpose
Our journey and faith walk continually ask whether we will stand with God and in the Holy Spirit’s power as agents of His continued work, witnessing His eternal reign. With the knowledge of how this story concludes—with Christ's ultimate reign and judgment—we are urged to act with faithfulness and to spread this hope.
Let us, with strength from God, continue boldly as apostles—those sent with purpose—to love and serve, embracing this intermediary time as a precious gift for spreading His salvation.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, as apostles of our risen and ascended King.
