Author Archive
Posted on: October 21st, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
When we think about greatness, it’s often through the lens of societal norms—power, status, wealth. Yet, in the teachings of Jesus, a different path is illuminated, one that challenges these conventional ideas. Let us explore an understanding of greatness through the lens of service, as elucidated in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 43 to 45.
Understanding Expectations in Baptism
In my conversations with families preparing for baptism, I often delve into the realm of expectations. Many approach baptism with preconceived notions—some see it as a rite of passage, others, a form of spiritual protection akin to a talisman. Few truly grasp the transformative nature of this sacred act.
Baptism is much more than a mere ceremony. It is an invitation from God to enter into a profound relationship with Him—a union with Christ that is unbreakable. Through baptism, we are called to a lifelong journey, a transformation in which we grow closer to God and each other.
Misguided Expectations and Their Consequences
Misguided expectations can lead to confusion and disappointment. Some anticipate a magical transformation, expecting a baptized child to naturally gravitate towards faith, only to find that life’s realities are more complex.
Scripture makes clear what we should expect in our relationship with God: to love Him fully and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This divine relationship, enriched through baptism, promises change—not always comfortable or easy but essential for our spiritual growth.
Service as the Measure of Love
Our journey with God often involves service. In my own life, I’ve encountered both joy and challenge in fulfilling responsibilities. Not everything has come easily, yet it’s in these moments of difficulty that God reminds us of His expectation: that all service is ultimately for Him.
This realization reshapes our expectations—of ourselves, of God, and of our roles as His followers. As Jesus taught Peter, love for Him is demonstrated through service: feeding His sheep, tending to His lands.
The Fallacy of Self-Serving Expectations
The disciples, James and John, illustrate a common misunderstanding of this journey. They sought personal glory, misunderstanding the essence of Jesus’s power and mission. But Jesus corrected them, stressing that true greatness comes from being a servant, a slave to all.
This is a hard lesson for many of us who seek validation and significance. Yet, in God’s kingdom, humility and service define greatness. The path to encountering the living God is paved with obedience and self-denial.
Embracing God’s Transformative Power
Encountering God is not without its challenges. As seen in Job’s journey, we are prompted to put aside our small, human conceptions of God and recognize His infinite wisdom. In this recognition, we find liberation from the misguided expectations that restrict our spiritual growth.
To ask God for a share in His divine life, as we do in baptism, is to embrace transformation. This is a transformation that God, in His grace, knows we need, even when we do not fully comprehend what we are asking.
The Call to Authentic Service
In this life with God, we are blessed with opportunities to serve and love authentically. By redefining our expectations away from societal measures of success, we align closer with God’s intentions for us. Each act of service, each moment of humility, transforms us more into the image of Christ.
In conclusion, may we embrace the call to lay down our lives—the person we think we are or should be—to take up the new life that God freely offers. Let us embark on this continual journey of love, where true greatness is found.
Amen.
Posted on: October 14th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
In a world where headlines often scream of scarcity, rising costs, and economic woes, it’s easy to become ensnared in a narrative that seems almost inescapable. Today, I invite you to pause with me and consider a different perspective—one rooted in the teachings and wisdom of scripture, and more importantly, in the boundless generosity of God.
Reflecting on Scripture
This morning, let’s meditate on the words from Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 6, verses 25 and 32 to 33: Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, drink, or wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? It is the Gentiles who strive for all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need these things, but strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” These words beckon us to shift our focus from anxiety to faith, from scarcity to abundance.
As we observe Thanksgiving, a time traditionally set aside to be grateful, let us explore the juxtaposition between the pervasive feeling of scarcity and the divine truth of abundance. For the past few years, many have felt the pinch of rising costs—groceries, rent, fuel—all seem to surge relentlessly. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing explanations that boil down to supply chain issues or economic demands.
The Reality Behind Rising Costs
However, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice an unsettling trend: major grocery store chains and investment capitalists continue to post record profits despite the economic strain felt by many. This paints a picture not just of supply and demand, but of greed—greed that distorts the prices we pay for necessities like food and shelter.
This greed is evident in other aspects of our lives too—be it fuel prices, homeownership, or saving for future needs. We’re tangled within an economic web designed to cause fear that we might not have enough. Yet, Jesus’ teaching calls us to a different understanding, one that challenges the prevailing mindset.
Living in God’s World
Jesus was not merely offering comforting words but revealing a significant truth: this is God’s world, and He has abundantly provided for all our needs. The Old Testament lesson from Joel echoes this, reminding us of God’s ability to restore and provide generously.
We often forget how to share, succumbing to the belief that the world’s resources are finite. But the world manipulates this fear of scarcity to drive consumption. The world’s markets thrive on convincing you that there’s never enough, and that you’re merely a consumer whose identity is defined by possessions.
Recognizing and Embracing Abundance
As people of God, we’re called to reflect on whether we’re living according to the world’s scarcity lie or God’s abundance truth. Recognizing that we’ve all been swayed by the scarcity narrative is the first step toward liberation from its burden. This acknowledgment allows us to lean into God’s grace and live more freely.
Our understanding of abundance affects how we view our finances, hold onto possessions, and relate to others. Believing that we need to hoard and protect our resources only burdens us with more anxiety and distance from God’s purpose.
Striving for God’s Kingdom
God encourages us to focus not on what we think we need, but on His kingdom and righteousness. By overly focusing on material needs, we invite anxiety into our hearts and miss witnessing God’s providence in our lives. When we shift our attention towards God’s kingdom, we find true freedom and joy, experiencing His provision in profound ways.
Generosity, self-giving, and gratitude are acts of worship and recognition of the God who continuously provides for us. Let us not waste our lives chasing after what we cannot take with us, but instead, seek a life rich in connection, meaning, and faith.
Conclusion
As we strive for God’s kingdom, let us remember that our Heavenly Father knows our needs. He invites us to trust in His abundance, putting aside our fears and embracing the life He offers. Seek first His kingdom, and the rest will follow.
Posted on: October 6th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
This morning, I want to share with you some profound insights from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10. In this passage, Jesus teaches the importance of a childlike receptivity to the kingdom of God. There, Mark tells us that Jesus was indignant when people tried to stop little children from coming to him, saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
This powerful message is not merely about children but about the fundamental nature of faith. Jesus emphasizes that to enter the kingdom of God, one must receive it with the trust and openness of a little child. This passage echoes the opening chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans, highlighting the guilt of humanity and our tendency to suppress the truth. As humans, we often choose lies over the truth, which is a phenomenon that started as far back as the Garden of Eden.
The Human Tendency to Suppress the Truth
In Romans 1:18-25, Paul writes about how people suppress the truth by exchanging it for a lie. This passage is a sobering reminder of how humanity often ignores the truth that has been clearly revealed, choosing instead to follow falsehoods. This was true in ancient times and remains so today. It’s evident when we look around at various forms of prejudice and racism in our world. Our biases, based on untruths or half-truths, lead us to harden our hearts. As Webster’s dictionary defines, hardening of the heart is when we stop having kind or friendly feelings for someone.
Recognizing and Softening Hardened Hearts
The account of the Grinch who stole Christmas serves as a poignant illustration of what a hardened heart looks like. His heart becoming colder and smaller is symbolic of what happens when we harbor unkind feelings. In our lives, when someone wrongs us, and we refuse to forgive, we too allow our hearts to grow cold, just as the Grinch did. However, particularly in matters of faith and obedience to God, this hardening can be devastating.
Embracing a Childlike Faith
In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses this issue when confronted by Pharisees trying to test him on the question of divorce. The Pharisees, with their hardened hearts, sought to trap Jesus rather than seek genuine answers. Jesus points out that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, reflecting their failure to live with integrity and uphold the sanctity of marriage.
Children, on the other hand, exhibit a natural trust and faith, believing readily when told something. Jesus highlights this quality as essential for those who wish to enter the kingdom of God. Just as children easily trust in their parents, we are invited to trust in God’s will and intentions for our lives.
The Call to Humility and Trust
No matter our age, we must humble ourselves, recognize our profound need for God, and trust Him with childlike faith. This trust leads us to true joy and freedom under God’s gracious rule. A life of authentic faith spares us the burdens of self-reliance. Instead, it liberates us, as we lean on God’s strength and provisions.
Guarding Against Unbelief
Today, I urge you to guard your hearts against unbelief. Unbelief often stems from choosing to believe lies we’re comfortable with, rather than the truths that challenge and liberate us. The world may tempt us with arguments and promises that appear fulfilling, but these are often half-truths entwined with deceit.
To truly dwell in God’s peace and enter His kingdom, let us adopt a posture of openness and humility, testing everything against the truth revealed through Christ, the living word. By doing so, we, like those children brought to Jesus, can come to Him, believe in Him, and in turn, be richly blessed by His presence in our lives.
So, friends, let us not harden our hearts. Instead, come to God just as you are, holding nothing back. May we, as children of God, embrace our need for Him and receive His touch and blessing. Amen.
Posted on: September 30th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
It’s a great day to be here, worshiping with you. Today, we honor Saint Michael and all angels, a feast dedicated to recognizing Michael’s and the angels’ roles in the Christian faith.
As a child, I attended St. Michael’s Primary School in Antigua, run by Anglican nuns. Every Wednesday, we gathered for mass to worship and learn the fundamental principles of the Christian faith. The school’s motto, “On the Lord’s Side,” called us to align our lives with Christ in every aspect. We sang the school song with conviction:
“Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King? Who will be his helpers, others lives to bring?”
During my primary school days, my knowledge of who St. Michael the Archangel was grew. The nuns and teachers emphasized his role as a heavenly warrior and the model we, the students of St. Michael’s School, should mold our lives upon. They reminded us that, like Michael, we too are called to defend our faith.
As I grew older, I noticed that many homes in Antigua had a picture of St. Michael the Archangel somewhere in the house. Michael was pictured with his foot on the devil’s head. This powerful imagery depicted victory over evil and the protection God provides through His angels. These images also served as reminders to defend the faith we profess.
The Spiritual Battlefield
In Christian theology, spiritual forces, both divine and evil, shape our lives. God, the Holy Spirit, and the angels work to guide, protect, and strengthen us, while Satan and the demons try to deceive and lead us away from God. Ephesians 6:10-18 urges us to put on the full armor of God—faith, righteousness, truth, peace, salvation, and prayer—that we can use to bolster our faith and strengthen our belief in God through Jesus Christ.
Michael’s triumph over the devil vividly illustrates how divine forces overcome evil when we stand firm in the faith. Just as Michael was victorious in the war against Satan, we are empowered by God to resist the devil’s schemes in our time.
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The first conclusion we can draw from Michael’s example is that spiritual warfare is very real. We struggle with various issues in our lives: ethical dilemmas, questions of right and wrong, and moral conflicts. The ever-present struggle between good and evil is evident in our news streams and our personal lives, where we wrestle with morality and the values of our children.
Michael’s role as a heavenly warrior shows that we are engaged in a battle not of flesh and blood but of spiritual forces. As James 4:7 tells us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Like Michael, we must stand firm against the temptations and lies that we encounter. Yet, we do not fight alone. We have Christ’s strength and His angels’ presence to help us in these battles.
When overwhelmed by doubt or fear, when enemies try to make us feel unworthy or far from God, we must remember Michael’s example. The victory has already been won through Christ’s death and resurrection. By His grace divine, we are on the Lord’s side, secure in His love. The forces of evil that torment us daily have no claim on us.
Angels: Helpers and Protectors
The second point of reflection is that angels are not just celestial beings but helpers and protectors. Throughout the Bible, angels appear during significant moments, guiding, warning, and comforting God’s people. Psalm 91:11 promises, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Angels like Michael are actively involved in our lives at God’s command, helping us stay connected to God’s love and protection. They guide us using God’s power and defend us in spiritual battles that we cannot always see or comprehend. When we face struggles, we can pray for help and guidance, confident that God provides assistance through His angels.
We are called to be warriors for good, to stand up for what we know is right and just. Michael’s very name, which means “Who is like God,” challenges us to live lives that reflect God’s goodness and justice. Like the angels, we are not passive recipients of God’s grace but active participants in His plan.
Called to Action
We are all called to ministry, actively involved in God’s plan of salvation, grace, and goodness. As Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8, “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” We must resist evil not only for our sake but for the sake of the world around us. We fight for peace and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live without fear, fulfilling God’s call on our lives.
As Michael led the angels against Satan, we are called to fight for justice, kindness, and mercy in our communities. This means standing up for what’s right, loving our neighbors, and remaining faithful to God despite worldly temptations.
Conclusion
As we celebrate today and uphold the example of Michael and all the angels, let their ministry inspire us and call us to action. Their actions remind us that we are never alone in our spiritual journey. We are surrounded by heavenly forces working for our good and for the glory of God.
Let us take up the call to stand firm in the faith, resist darkness, and serve as warriors for good in the world. May we always sing in our hearts, “Who is on the Lord’s side? By thy grace divine, we are on the Lord’s side. We are on the Lord’s side.” May we remain soldiers of Christ today as we seek to do His will now and always.
Amen.
Posted on: September 22nd, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Introduction: A Divine Call to Grace
You come to live from the center of our lives. Give us grace, Lord, to follow you as you lead us in this life, that we may glorify you in all that we say and think and do. I speak to you now in the name of God, who is Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Please, be seated.
A Warm Welcome
Good morning, everyone. It is good to see all of you again, and a very special welcome to those who may be visiting us today. We are happy that you have decided to join us for this service of worship. As we continue to move through the season after Pentecost, I want to share with you words from Mark’s gospel. As you’ve just heard, Mark chapter nine, verse 35 says: “Jesus sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.'”
The Profound Truth in Scriptures
Upon listening to these passages of scripture today, I sensed, as I’m sure you did as well, something deeply profound and beautiful. Something that draws us in when we hear the Word of God. The writer of Proverbs in our first reading says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” The psalmist speaks of the delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. James writes that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable and gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality or hypocrisy.
Jesus, in today’s gospel, reinforces this truth: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”
Recognizing God’s Truth and Beauty
Even if we find it difficult to see these attributes in our own lives, we can still discern and confidently say that there is something profoundly beautiful and deeply truthful about these scriptures. It raises an important question: What is that standard of truth and beauty by which we judge and read these passages? Why do virtues like diligence, resourcefulness, trustworthiness, and generosity appear so inherently good to us?
I want to suggest that the reason is because, as creatures of the Living God who created all
Posted on: September 15th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Introduction
I want to share with you some words from John’s gospel, chapter three, verses 14 to 15. Jesus said, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”
Early this past week, while visiting another Anglican congregation, I joined them for their afternoon Eucharist. During the confession and absolution, the priest typically says, “Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy. He welcomes sinners and invites them to his table.” However, on this occasion, the celebrant altered the words to: “He welcomes us and invites us to his table.” This change struck me as conspicuous, especially for those used to hearing the original wording. I don’t know why the celebrant made that change, but it got me thinking about our modern-day sensitivities toward language, especially when it comes to the word “sinners.”
The Significance of Words
Our sensitivities might deem words like “sinners” as harsh or outdated religious speak, potentially unhelpful for our self-esteem. We might worry about the psychological impact of repeatedly thinking of ourselves as sinners. However, it’s crucial to remind ourselves that sin is more than merely doing the wrong thing. It represents a fundamentally broken relationship between God and creation, a malady remedied solely by the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Losing the language of sinery and sinners could dilute the message and power of the gospel. If we fail to name that which is broken within us, we might soon find we have little need for the remedy. Acknowledging our sin is crucial because recognition of the problem is the first step towards seeking the cure provided by God through Jesus Christ.
Teaching the Next Generation
The application for baptism states that children must be taught their need for repentance and faith, which means they must be taught that they are sinners. Without this recognition, there can be no genuine repentance. This teaching is profoundly counter-cultural, going against contemporary beliefs that espouse inherent goodness and self-sufficiency. Yet, this acknowledgment of sin is essential for spiritual growth and is deeply embedded in our faith journey.
The world often wants us to think that we are good, mostly good. While there is a positive affirmation in recognizing our part in God’s good creation, we must also acknowledge the brokenness and distortion caused by human sin. Our thoughts, words, and actions impact others and the physical world around us. This mutual impact is evident in phenomena like climate change, reminding us that we are part of creation, not owners of it.
The Remedy for Sin
Acknowledging our sin allows us to see the depth of our brokenness and begin the journey to recovery. Much like the Israelites in the wilderness who were saved by looking at the bronze serpent, we are called to look upon Jesus Christ lifted high upon the cross. This unexpected remedy—Christ crucified—proclaims the wisdom and power of God to heal and save us from sin.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians highlights how unexpected this remedy was to Jews and Gentiles of his day. Yet, Christ crucified remains the essential remedy for our sin. It’s not about our righteousness, but our faith in the remedy God provides.
Conclusion: A Call to Faith
In faith, when we are baptized into Christ, we are reborn into God’s new family, the universal church. This new life in Christ calls us to walk in daily communion with God, allowing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control—to grow within us.
Friends, as we prepare to baptize our little ones, let us embrace this newness of life and commit them to God. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, acknowledging our brokenness and embracing the remedy that only He provides. In doing so, we find salvation and eternal life, freely given by God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Posted on: September 1st, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Friends, I want to share with you this morning some words from the letter of James, chapter 1, verse 18. There, James writes that in fulfillment of His own purpose, He gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would become a kind of first fruits of His creatures. In just over two weeks from now, the Thursday evening Bible study will begin a study of the book of Job. As I’ve said a few Sundays ago, Job falls squarely within what is called Israel’s wisdom tradition, asking the basic questions about the life of wisdom—how we live wisely in this world and its connections to the good things or the bad things which happen to us in this life.
We all experience some good, we all experience some bad. Is there a way to live in such a way that determines whether one happens or the other? If you’ve ever read the book of Job, you will know that it begins by making it clear that Job was a man whose righteousness was unmatched. There was none to be found in the whole earth like Job, yet, before the end of the first chapter, servants come to Job, one right after the other, all bringing news of tragic loss to this righteous man. And Job loses everything. All of his property. All of his children. All that he has, he loses everything.
### The Unpredictable Nature of Life
Many in Job’s day lived within a predictable worldview where bad things happen to bad people, and good things happened to good people. So the good or the bad that happened to you in this life was understood to be a sort of indication of the kind of person that you were. And so the book presses the question: How do we live faithfully within a world that is perhaps a little more unpredictable than we might have thought? How do we continue to live faithfully?
Job was a righteous man beyond dispute, yet all of these terrible things happened to him. Our present time is likewise fraught with unpredictability. There’s the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and many other places around the world, increasing conflicts between the government of Israel and Hamas, now threatening to widen across the entire region. There is a recent declaration of MPOX as a public health emergency of international concern. Closer to home, there is the unpredictability of the aftermath of presidential elections with our neighbors to the south. What is the world going to look like after November?
In Canada, there are serious challenges with providing housing, providing health care, and concerns about the cost of living. I went into the store the other day, and a container of milk that once cost $5.90-something now costs more than $7.00. I have to start giving my children water. The cost of living is increasing. Just the other week, the Federal Labor Board had to intervene to order thousands of rail workers back to work, preventing what would have been an economically devastating work stoppage in the nation.
### Living Faithfully Amidst Uncertainty
With tragic news seemingly coming from every direction, we might, like Job, ask the question: How do we continue to live faithfully in a world that seems so unpredictable? It seems as if the bottom is always ready to fall out. How do we live faithfully? As we soon head into fall when the leaves begin to change color and life seems to begin to fade, today’s readings are particularly timely and helpful. They inspire us to live the faith we confess in the presence of the God who loves us, the source of beauty, and the depth of our heart.
At the heart of the faith we confess is this grand movement from death to life. We see it most clearly in the life of this One who has overcome the power of sin and death and has brought us to life and immortality. That is what Christianity is about—this movement from death to life. James writes in fulfillment of His own purpose, He gave us birth by the word of truth so we would become a kind of first fruits of His creatures. We are the first to be brought forth with the expectation of more to come.
### The Call for Renewal
Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore, rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness and welcome with meekness the implanted Word that has the power to save your souls. It sounds like the seed being planted—the implanted Word that has the power to save your souls.
Here then, friends, is the foundation, the starting point for new life, for a new spiritual beginning, right in the midst of the old, right in the midst of the unpredictable. That is when we welcome the implanted Word of God and allow it to germinate, to grow, to bring forth fruit, a new life in our lives.
If there was ever a time that we needed a new beginning or new life, it is now. So as we consider what it means to be the people of God, what it means to remain steadfast, that’s what we are called to do. What does it mean to remain steadfast? Stay steadfast like Job. And to live faithfully in the midst of an unpredictable world. This world needs steady people, right? This world needs stability.
### Embracing the New
In our Gospel reading for today, the Pharisees, whom we heard about, had hearts that had become so hardened in their attempts to obey all these traditions of the elders, so much so that they could not welcome with meekness and with humility the new thing that God was doing right in their midst through Jesus Christ. Here was the living Word, and they could not receive it. They were so consumed with the tradition of the elders, with the external rituals of purification, that they missed the point. Purity is fundamentally a matter of the heart. That’s where it begins.
Jesus said there’s nothing outside a person that by going in can defile. But it is the things that come out that defile. He says from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come. Jesus was and is fundamentally about the business of changing hearts. I can’t change your heart. Your neighbor can’t change your heart. Only God changes hearts. Jesus is about the business of changing hearts.
Our lives are transformed, and then when our lives are transformed, we see the world around us being transformed. His Word is not just His Word—it is literally life-giving. It is life-changing. It is world-changing. It is meant to have a tangible and measurable impact within this world.
### Living Out Our Faith
The Pharisees simply could not get on board with this shift from the old, much like in party politics that we see today. They were determined to make things seem new by their own efforts. How often in our own social, political, professional relationships, or in our own spiritual lives have we tried to convey the outward impression that all is well when the inward reality, just beneath the surface, is that there is very little life and mostly decay? We try to make things seem new by our own efforts.
As we think about what it means to be the people of God in an ever-changing and unpredictable world, let us be reminded that this new life we anticipate in Christ does not first begin with our own efforts. It doesn’t begin with our own plans. It doesn’t begin with our own strategies. But with God. It begins with God. It always begins with what God has implanted and is implanting in each of us, and what He will bring to fruition according to His time and purposes.
Our calling is not new; we have always been called to receive what God gives and act faithfully in obedience to it. Whatever it is, it is right in front of us. What is new is the renewed call to welcome this kind of renewal itself. In other words, we can’t think of ourselves as stones. Amen. But we must always be willing to welcome this implanted Word of God. James writes, be doers of the Word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. He says, religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
### A Renewed Life in Our Community
So what might this new life look like in the life of this parish as a gathered community of believers in this place and beyond these four walls? What might this new life look like? It might look like considering the needs of our neighbor ahead of our own in whatever it is that we’re doing. It might look like serving the needs of the vulnerable in our midst, so much so that it almost looks like we’re washing their feet. That’s what the new life looks like. It might look like having the moral courage to admit our wrongdoing when we do wrong and then seeking the path of forgiveness and reconciliation. It might look like striving to live more simply in our choices and in our actions, and what we do day by day so that others may simply live.
Some of you may have heard that nowadays there’s something that’s called the under-consumption core or the under-consumption movement, where people are learning how important it is to live within your means. That’s not new, but apparently it’s a new movement. Live within your means and share with other people. Don’t buy more than you need. Give generously. Life is shorter than many of us often think, and time passes very quickly—faster than we realize. In another couple of months, I’ll be marking a milestone birthday. I’m still in denial. The time goes quickly, let me tell you.
So let us not waste our lives, friends, on frivolous endeavors and pursuits. But let us make it our aim to please this One who has created us. This goes much deeper than simply talking up or bragging about all the things that we do, which seem religious on the surface, because that too is a temptation. Emerging in this new life is about placing ourselves in a position of finding and indeed making space to be attentive to the living Word of God. What God is up to in our midst, keeping our eyes open.
### Engaging with the Word
Advent is coming soon. And what do we say in Advent? Keep awake. Keep alert. Pay attention. Many of us have been engaging in the study, meditation, and discussion of the Word through morning prayer and evening prayer, Tuesday evening, and Thursday evening Bible studies, or studies of the Word on our own. Some of you just had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Lancaster to see the live production of Daniel—a stellar example of faithfulness in the midst of change and unpredictability.
What is critical for us as followers of Christ is that we actually engage the written and living Word in a way that is meaningful and transformative. It’s not about opening your Bible and leaving it on the desk or putting it there to hold open the door. Actually engage it, read it, study it. I’d love to see so many more of us come together to engage in the study of God’s Word.
That’s how we begin to grow, receive that implanted Word. This transformation is a matter of the heart. As we strive to live faithfully in the midst of change and unpredictability, the proof will be our love for one another, the care that we show. Jesus talks about looking out for the orphans and the widows, right? What care are we showing to the vulnerable? The service we give to one another, especially the most vulnerable in our midst.
God is giving us every opportunity to live into a religion that is more than just words, a ministry that depends upon us welcoming and responding in love to the living Word.
Let us pray:
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, and the lover of our souls, the source of all beauty and the depth of passion. Strengthen and inspire us to do the Word we hear and to live the faith we confess. Amen.
Posted on: August 25th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
### Welcome Back, Travelers
It is good to see all of you again and a very special welcome back to all of our travelers. I can’t call you weary travelers because you are energized by your trip south of the border to see Daniel. We are happy to have all of you back today. And of course, we welcome those who are visiting with us for the first time.
### Words from John’s Gospel
I want to share with you some words from John’s Gospel, chapter six, reading from verses 67 to 69: “So Jesus asked the 12, as we heard read just a moment ago, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. Amen. We have come to believe and know that you are the holy one of God.'”
These words spoken between Jesus and his disciples follow immediately after a very tough teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus said to those who gathered there for worship that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood abide in him and he in them. He said further that just as the living Father sent him and he lives because of the Father, so whoever eats him will live because of him. Indeed, he referred to himself as the living bread that came down from heaven so that one may eat of it and live forever.
### A Difficult Teaching
So Jesus’ claims, as we have thought about them and listened to them over these last few Sundays, presented a significant obstacle for faith, particularly for the Jewish people among whom he spoke. Here was a human being, just as they were, whose mother and father they knew, who is now identifying himself as this life-giving way, as none other than Israel’s God. Not surprisingly, John reports to us in the Gospel for today that many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. They could not abide his statement.
But Peter received the grace to press beyond such externals, the things that tripped up the other disciples. He pressed beyond such externals to actually hear Jesus’ words and to hear them in the context of his life and to recognize that in hearing these words he could stake his life on no one else but this one who now stood before them.
### The Theme of God’s Determination
Jesus’ difficult teaching draws together a two-part theme, which I believe runs through all the scripture readings that we’ve heard today. It sums up and retells the main lines of the Gospel of Israel’s story, but it retells this story within the context of Jesus’ life.
The first part of this theme is the reality of God’s own determination to dwell among humankind in a locatable way. That is, in a way that we might say, “God is there.” The Old Testament passage from the first book of Kings recounts Solomon’s dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. The priests have placed the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord in the most holy place in the inner sanctuary of the house, and when they came out, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord such that the priests could not even stand there to minister.
### Solomon’s Prayer
As Solomon lifted his hands and recounted the details of the covenant that God had made with David and his descendants, he prayed not only for the Israelite but also for the foreigner, that is, for the Gentile, asking that whoever prays towards the temple, the locatable point of God’s dwelling on earth, God would hear in heaven, heed, and forgive, so that His name would be made known throughout all the earth. That’s Solomon’s prayer.
In this sense, Solomon’s temple is an early sign of the reality that Israel’s God is the one who determines to dwell with and among humankind in such a way that He is capable of being located. Everyone following me so far? That’s the God whom we serve.
### God’s Presence in Christ
Now, in Christ, God, in no uncertain terms, has demonstrated God’s determination to be among us in a locatable way. Paul writes that in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them. Therefore, Christ’s resurrection proclaims the good news that because of God’s union with us in Him, we too have been raised to new life. We have been raised to eternal life in Him.
### Understanding New Life
How might we understand this, friends? How might we understand this new life in Him in a practical sense? We can say these things and they sound good, but how do we understand it in a practical sense? Today’s Collect, we prayed, “Almighty God, we are taught by your word that all our doings without love are worth nothing.” Then we prayed, “Lord, send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue.”
We are taught most famously that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Everyone knows that passage from 1 Corinthians 13: “If I speak the tongues of mortals and angels but do not have love, I am nothing. I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
### The Gift of Love
So all the good works that we might think about or conceive of doing in this world are worth nothing if we do not have love. The only way we can have that love which makes every good action worthwhile is by first receiving that love from God. Pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue. By grace, God has determined to live with and among his human creature. The love that God gives us is nothing but God’s self. Let’s not miss the point. The love that God gives us is nothing but God’s self. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.
### God’s Love and Our Love
There is not God and then something separate called God’s love. They are not two separate realities but one. Therefore, as a human being, I may love you and demonstrate that love for you in any number of tangible ways, but at the end of the day, I am not my love. But God is love.
So as Christians, we confess that if you want to know what God’s love for humankind looks like, if you want to know what God’s love for the world looks like, look no further than the whole life of Jesus Christ, because that’s where you’re going to find it. When we pray, asking God to pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, we are not asking for warm sentimental stuff. We’re not asking God to warm our hearts and give us that pitter-patter feeling, but rather we are asking that God in Christ would come into our hearts and govern our lives from the center of our being, so as to conform our lives to His through the power and presence of His indwelling Holy Spirit.
### The Temple of Our Bodies
The temple Solomon dedicated in Jerusalem was an early indication, an early sign pointing forward to our time, to the reality that the temple of our very bodies is where God comes to dwell. Revelation 3:20–the risen Christ says, “Listen, I am standing at the door and knocking. If you hear my voice, if you open the door, I will come into you and eat with you, and you with me.”
### A Humble Cry
Our prayer in today’s Collect is nothing other than our humble cry for God to fill our lives just as He filled Solomon’s temple. It is our prayer for real communion with the living God, to bring us back to what is truly all-important here, which is that we actually encounter this God who is at the heart of our worship. Like Peter, come to the conviction that He is the Holy One of God, that He alone has the words of eternal life.
### Overcoming Distractions
In my own journey and ministry thus far, it has become increasingly apparent to me just how easily we, as believers, can become distracted from this Jesus who desires to be at the heart of our worship, from this God who yearns to be the object of our worship. On one hand, as believers, we may become distracted by the sorts of comfort zones or comfortable routines in which we allow our lives to settle, such that our faith often goes unchecked or unchallenged from day to day. We may be lulled into thinking that we may rest on our laurels and exert no further initiative to grow deeper in the knowledge and love of God.
On the other hand, we may become entirely absorbed by the cares and concerns of this life, such that the Word of God or the things of faith have little or no effect or impact in our lives. They become optional extras. If I have time to do it, if I have time to go to church, if I have time to study the scripture, if I have time to spend on the things of God, then I will engage it.
### Building Other Homes
In both these instances, whether we have become laxed or absorbed by so many other things, we set about building other homes, other shelters for our lives. We miss out on the wonderful gift of communion with the living God, which God gives us specifically in Jesus Christ within the temple of our bodies.
Like David, we want to build a house for the God who cannot be contained. We want to build homes and shelters for our lives, which were not meant to shelter our lives when God Himself wants to come and dwell within us.
### Standing in Faith
My brothers and sisters, the reality is that in coming to live among us, God does not invite us to build Him a temple, or to build other temples. Instead, He invites us to come and to stand in faith and in obedience to Him, to allow Him to build us into His temple. Jesus is at the heart of Christian worship. Our battle is to remain focused. It’s not one against flesh and blood. The weapons we employ are not the traditional weapons of war.
We are called to stand in the truth of Christ, in His righteousness, to be conformed to His life, always ready to proclaim the gospel of His peace. He gives us faith in Him, not worthiness, so that we may be able to stand in the knowledge of our salvation–the certain knowledge that we have been, that we are being, that we will be saved. Our only offensive weapon, if we listen carefully, is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. That alone is sufficient, friends.
### The Journey Ahead
So as we fight to share this life with Christ at the center, let us never forget: there is no wound that mortal flesh can ever inflict upon us that Christ is not able to heal. Let us press on. This God whom we worship has given us His own flesh for the life of the world and, in doing so, He invites us to communion with Him, to truly love Him. Let us return to Him above all else, for the outpouring of this most excellent gift of love, because that for which we pray is the One who is our eternal life.
Amen.
Posted on: August 18th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
A Reflection on John 6:56
It’s always heartening to see familiar faces again, and today is no exception. Despite many of our friends traveling somewhere between Pennsylvania and Toronto after attending St. James Episcopal Church this morning, it’s a joy to share this time together with you. This morning, I want to share some profound words from John’s Gospel, specifically chapter 6, verse 56. In these words, Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood, abide in me, and I in them.”
The Identity of Jesus
The Gospel of John is unique in how it reveals Jesus’s identity through various signs and statements, attributing to Him roles that elucidate His divine nature. It includes at least seven “I am” statements where Jesus describes Himself in different metaphors to highlight His identity:
– I am the light of the world.
– I am the door or gate to the sheep.
– I am the good shepherd.
– I am the resurrection and the life.
– I am the vine, you are the branches.
These statements provide us with multi-faceted perspectives on Jesus’s divine identity, akin to viewing different sides of a precious jewel. The statement that resonates with me today is Jesus’s declaration: “I am the bread of life. I am the living bread which came down from heaven.”
The Meaning of “The Bread of Life”
Jesus’s statement, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven,” invites us to delve deeper into its meaning. He says, “Whoever eats of this bread will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” This statement is startling and immediately raises questions: Is Jesus urging us to literally eat His flesh and drink His blood? Historically, this led to accusations of cannibalism against early Christians, as misunderstood by second-century critics of the faith.
The Jews of Jesus’s time were equally perplexed, asking, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Pressing further, Jesus insisted, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” This provokes a deeper contemplation on taking Jesus’s life into ourselves, so His life becomes our own, reinforcing that we live through His life.
The Physical and Spiritual Nourishment
On a spiritual level, Jesus’s words might seem metaphorical, but there’s an unmistakable physical and tangible aspect in John’s gospel. Jesus’s proposition is balanced between the physical act of the Eucharist and the spiritual reception of His life. Bishop N.T. Wright comments that by Jesus’s sacrifice, symbolized through Good Friday, His followers can truly partake in His life. This is not merely symbolic; it’s an invitation to receive the manifold benefits of His saving death, both spiritual and tangible.
The Desire for Christ
To receive these benefits, there must first be desire. Think about a moment in a store; our children always want to buy everything they see. This raw desire must be trained and focused. Similarly, to receive Christ’s benefits, we must deeply desire and seek them with our hearts. Solomon’s story in the Book of Kings illustrates this perfectly. When God asked Solomon what he desired most, he chose wisdom to govern God’s people over long life or riches. This choice demonstrated Solomon’s higher desire—to walk in God’s wisdom.
Walking in Wisdom
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, walking in wisdom is equated with being filled with the Spirit. Contrary to some dramatic portrayals, being filled with the Spirit means living wisely every day, modeling our lives after Jesus Christ. This sober, wise living is necessary as evil lurks around us, and our nourishment comes from above—the bread of life.
The Eucharist as our Nourishment
Jesus offers a profound promise: “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.” The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is central to this sustenance. It is not a magical rite, but a profound means by which Jesus continues to give Himself to us. During the pandemic, many felt a profound absence because we could not gather and partake in the Eucharist. This highlights the depth of our need for this divine nourishment.
Closing Prayer
So, I pray that God grants us a continual desire—a deep hunger and thirst for His life within ours. May we all be filled with the living bread that came down from heaven, for whoever eats this bread will live forever. This is not just good news; it is the ultimate gift of life from Jesus Christ.
**Let us pray.**
Living God, you are the giver of wisdom and true discernment, guiding those who seek your ways to choose the good. Mercifully grant, Lord, that your people, feasting on the true bread of heaven, may have eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Posted on: August 11th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Dear brothers and sisters,
Last week, I mentioned I wouldn’t dive into lengthy preaching, but here we are sharing the wisdom.
Many of you have known me for a long time. Imagine if one Sunday I stood before you and declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever believes in me will never die.”
Would you believe me, knowing who I am? Likely not. You’d think, “Isn’t this Leonard? He used to come here years back.”
Food. It’s something we all talk about. Everywhere you go, food matters. You see people lined up for food because they are hungry. But what is food, really?
Let me turn this question to you: What is food? It’s sustaining, nourishing, and comforting. That’s what some of you have said, and you’re right. Food is anything that you consume that sustains you. But there’s more to it—let’s explore.
The Essence of Food
Everything God created as a living organism eats. Ants eat, birds eat, even lions eat their prey. Similarly, we clamor for food. The ancient Romans would eat to their fill, go to the washroom to vomit, and come back to eat more. Food was that significant to them.
Last week, I mentioned that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” This statement has profound implications. Bread signifies sustenance and nourishment. But Jesus wasn’t just referring to physical bread; He was talking about something much deeper—spiritual nourishment.
The Significance of Bread
In many cultures, bread is a staple. In my hometown, for instance, bread includes corn and plantain dough. In ancient times, bread was crucial to daily sustenance. Jesus’ statement about being the bread of life was monumental. He said, “I am the bread of life. He who eats this bread will never be hungry.”
For the people around Jesus, bread was not just food; it was life. When He declared Himself as the bread of life, He was making a theological statement—He was claiming to be God. This was controversial at the time. They wondered, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” Yet, Jesus boldly said, “Before Abraham was, I am.”
The Implication of “I Am”
When Jesus said, “I am the bread of life,” He was equating Himself with God. The phrase “I am” echoes back to when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, saying, “I am who I am.” This sacred name signifies God’s eternal presence and sufficiency.
So when Jesus used “I am,” He was not just talking about physical sustenance but spiritual sufficiency. He was telling us that He is enough, that in Him we find all we need.
Understanding Spiritual Food
As Christians, we often come to church looking for physical solutions, focusing on temporal needs. However, Jesus calls us to look beyond the physical. He offers spiritual food that changes our whole being, making us Christ-centered.
We often prioritize physical wealth and forget the spiritual riches that Jesus offers. The spiritual food Jesus provides transforms us, aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will. It feeds our soul in ways that physical food never can.
Jesus, the Door and the Bread
Jesus declared, “I am the door” and “I am the bread of life.” As my colleague noted, Jesus is also the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. This means our spiritual journey begins with Jesus. He is the door to spiritual fulfillment and eternal life.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our priorities as Christians should be to seek spiritual nourishment over physical wealth. This involves setting our focus on Jesus and His teachings. Understanding that He is our spiritual bread and door means embracing the spiritual essence of His word.
As you engage with the scriptures, do so with the intent to inwardly digest them, using them to guide your life. Remember, Jesus is sufficient for all our needs—He is our spiritual food, and in Him, we find everlasting nourishment.
In the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
