Archive for September, 2025
Posted on: September 28th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
In our spiritual journey, we often hear about grace and mercy. But do we truly understand their significance and differences? Let's take a deeper look.
Understanding Mercy and Grace
Mercy, in its essence, is God's decision not to punish us. On the other hand, grace is God's decision to save and bless us. Each plays a crucial role in our relationship with God, offering us a way to navigate the challenges and opportunities life presents.
The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man
There's a notable story in the Bible about Lazarus, a poor man, and a rich man who remains nameless. This parable serves as a profound reminder of how society often overlooks the seemingly insignificant while glorifying the powerful. In many cultures, a name is significant; it carries identity and meaning. So when we hear of Lazarus, we understand there's more to his story than just poverty. His story echoes through time, reminding us of the invaluable lesson that no matter our social status, our names, and actions, hold power.
Socioeconomic Structures and Our Faith
The world is marked by economic disparities—rich, middle-class, poor, and poorest. Lazarus represents those who are overlooked and marginalized. Throughout history, from Biblical times to modern-day cities like Los Angeles' Skid Row, societal structures have fostered these disparities. Liberation theology and thinkers like Father Vincent have critiqued these inequalities, emphasizing that poverty is often a systemic issue, not merely a personal failure.
Gifts from God and Our Responsibility
We are stewards of the gifts God grants us. In the parable of the talents, we learn that our wealth and resources are not for hoarding but for uplifting those around us. The rich man lived in comfort, blind to the suffering at his gate. But scripture warns us of the dangers of allowing wealth to dictate our actions, blinding us to justice, mercy, and compassion.
The Reversal of Fortunes
Biblical teachings talk of the reversal of fortunes—where the oppressed will find solace, and the proud will be humbled. This challenges societal power dynamics, promoting equality and justice. Luke's Beatitudes underscore the blessings for the poor and the pitfalls for those consumed by wealth and status.
Our Shared Humanity
Regardless of our wealth or status, there is a commonality that unites us all: our mortality. Both Lazarus and the rich man died, yet their fates in the afterlife starkly differed. Lazarus was carried by angels, while the rich man found himself in torment. These narratives compel us to reflect on how we live and whom we choose to help.
Living with Mercy, Compassion, and Love
As we approach Thanksgiving, let's extend our tables to those in need. Invite those who might not have, so they can also partake in the blessings of community and fellowship. We are called to act with mercy, compassion, and love, treating each other as fellow human beings created by God.
In closing, remember that grace and mercy are not just divine gifts but responsibilities we must earnestly uphold in our lives. Thank you for joining me in this reflection. May we continue to live with love and kindness, honoring the teachings of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Posted on: September 21st, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
In today’s sermon, I invite you to embark on a journey of introspection and prayer as we confront the pervasive presence of sin in our lives and in the world. Let us begin with a prayer to seek divine forgiveness and mercy.
A Call for Repentance
Let us pray:
Lord, we acknowledge our surrender to sin and how it distances us from Your eternal salvation. We come with a repentant heart, ready to seek Your mercy. We confess our sins, countless as they may be, trusting in Your promise of mercy. Cleanse our hearts, plagued by pride, envy, jealousy, sloth, gluttony, vanity, and lust. Grant us ears to understand and interpret Your word, in the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Cry of Life
From the moment of birth, our lives are intertwined with tears. As babies, our first act is to cry. This world, filled with sorrow and atrocity, prompts us to lament. Sin often seems an inevitable part of human existence, yet, through Jesus Christ, we find the hope of repentance. I remember the tears shed when many of us first embraced Christ, and although the tears dried, they symbolized our initial steps toward redemption.
Understanding Sin from Multiple Perspectives
Our understanding of sin varies based on theological, philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Theologically, sin is a transgression against the will of God. It’s the original sin inherited from Adam’s disobedience. Philosophically, sin represents a moral failing, and from a secular standpoint, it translates into guilt or shame.
Societally, we’ve constructed moral codes dictating what’s considered sinful. Unfortunately, what’s celebrated today often contradicts divine guidelines. This societal shift is a reflection of the challenges we face as we strive to uphold spiritual truths.
Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet
Reflecting on the prophet Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet, we see a figure who lamented deeply for his people. His writings reveal profound grief over sin and impending divine judgment. His emotional turmoil mirrors the distress we experience as we witness societal decay and the church’s struggle against worldly influences.
The Modern Church’s Struggle
We live in a time when the church is struggling to stand firm in truth. Society’s behaviors seep into our sacred spaces, leading some spiritual leaders astray. Jeremiah’s tears are a symbol of the pain caused when spiritual leaders mislead their flocks, leading them away from God’s path.
As priests, we carry a heavy burden to guide and not mislead. The Bible warns that misleading even the smallest among us is a grave offense, warranting dire consequences.
Becoming the Light of the World
I urge us, beloved in the Lord, to live differently, embracing the truth as our guiding light. Let us be the light set on a hill, illuminating the world with our faith and deeds, living as beacons of hope in these trying times.
Embracing God’s Purpose
Jeremiah’s life was filled with challenges, yet his unwavering faith is a testament to the strength found in God’s purpose. Like Jeremiah, let us embrace our divine calling, even in hardship, knowing God is with us every step of the way.
Conclusion
I call upon each of you to turn back to God, not as mere followers of religious rituals, but as true worshippers. Let our prayers today be a testament to our commitment to live as children of God. As we navigate this dark world, let us resolve to shine bright, bringing light and hope wherever we go.
Let us pray:
Lord, thank you for Your word. Help us be lights in this dark world, guiding others toward Your truth. In the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Let us carry this message into the world, living with purpose and a steadfast heart. May God bless us all in this endeavor.
Posted on: September 14th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Like us, the Israelites became cranky when stressed. While God always hears your prayers, complaining and focusing on the negative is not your best course of action…
Greetings, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I wish to dive deep into a theme that is at the very heart of our faith—the cross. Through scripture and experience, we find that the cross isn't merely a symbol but a profound pathway to our redemption and salvation.
Reflections from the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we journey with the Israelites in the wilderness. These are the very people God delivered from slavery in Egypt through Moses. Yet, in the face of hardship, they questioned God's intentions. Complaints filled the air about the quality of food, a glaring display of impatience with God’s plan.
As humans, we often find ourselves echoing the Israelites' sentiments. When moments of difficulty arise, our faith wavers. The Israelites' rebellion brought a consequence—venomous snakes. When confronted with their mistakes, the Israelites repented, and God, in His mercy, provided them a way to be healed—a serpent on a stick, a precursor to the salvation we find through the cross.
The Wisdom of the Cross
Paul, once a persecutor of believers, underwent a profound transformation and bore witness to the wisdom of the cross. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, he tells us, "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."
The cross, paradoxically seen as a symbol of death, becomes the symbol of life's victory. It teaches us that it’s through God’s wisdom, not human understanding, that we come to know Him.
Jesus Christ: Our Path to Salvation
The familiar verse, John 3:16, often reminds us of God's immense love. However, we must also remember verse 17: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." Christ embodied love, sacrifice, and salvation, showing us the way through His life, death, and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
This journey compels us to ponder several questions:
- What is your relationship with the cross?
- Who truly is the person hanging on the cross?
- Do you believe in the power of the resurrection?
- Do you have faith in the salvation freely offered when you look upon the cross?
These reflections challenge us to deepen our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Conclusion
As I conclude, I urge each of us to embrace the cross as our symbol of salvation. Let our days be filled with the recognition of its significance and the urgency of proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ came to save us, not condemn us. It's upon us to open our hearts to Him—confessing His sovereignty and embracing the salvation He offers in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Posted on: September 7th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
As I stood before my congregation, the weight of my words began to sink in. This isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring change and nurturing faith. Today, I invite you on a journey through a profound message, one that encourages us to prioritize the Kingdom of God in our lives.
A Call to Surrender
"Unto Jesus, I surrender all." These powerful words echo the essence of our spiritual journey. As we begin, let us bow our heads in prayer: "Lord our God, you left everything to accomplish your mission of salvation. Teach us to prioritize your kingdom, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Understanding Our Mission
Drawing inspiration from the stories of Jeremiah and Isaiah, we are reminded of God's mission. Jeremiah was tasked with planting, uprooting, building, and destroying to fulfill God's plan. Similarly, God shapes us like a potter molds clay. It's the parents' role, symbolically, to mold their children. Even when we deviate, the love of God and our parents never leaves us. This is God’s unwavering mission—to mold us into the vessel He intended.
The Insightful Psalm
Psalm 139 resonates deeply: "Lord, you have searched me out and know me." He understands our hearts, our decisions, even before they unfold. This intimate knowledge should drive us to remain faithful to His mission.
Reflecting on the Epistles
Paul, often calling himself a prisoner of Christ, exemplifies selfless devotion. In sending back Onesimus to his master, Paul underscores the transformation that faith inspires, turning a slave into a brother in Christ. This symbolizes the church's role in fostering unity and love, breaking the chains that bind us, whether physical or spiritual.
Following Jesus Despite Challenges
We seek comfort and sustenance, but Jesus calls us to something greater—discipleship. It’s not merely about following Him; it’s about committing wholly. True discipleship comes with challenges—it asks us to prioritize His mission over personal desires, even when it means carrying our own cross, much like Jesus did on His journey to Jerusalem.
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Discipleship demands sacrifice. Jesus challenges us to put aside our closest ties and personal gains. It's about choosing Him over worldly possessions and comfort—a difficult choice, yet essential. Simultaneously, Jesus urges us to embody the qualities of good salt, enhancing the lives we touch.
The Heart of Jesus’ Teaching
Ultimately, every aspect of Jesus’ teaching points us toward one truth: prioritize the Kingdom of God. Whether deciding on material possessions or spiritual pursuits, His message is clear—we must seek first the kingdom, for everything else will follow.
The Choice is Yours
As I reflect, Joshua's words resonate: "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The choice is before us, as it was for Israel. If we choose the Lord, we choose life eternal. Our journey isn’t about discarding everything but ensuring our focus remains on God’s kingdom.
In conclusion, surrendering all to Jesus allows everything to fall into place. Let the Kingdom of God be your focus, and in doing so, you’ll find that everything else is added unto you. Seek first His kingdom, and watch your life transform in unimaginable ways.
May the grace of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us all.
