Author Archive
Posted on: February 2nd, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Good morning, everyone. I’m delighted to welcome you to this feast day of the presentation of the Lord in the temple. To all our friends joining us live, a special welcome. Today, as we gather, let us reflect on the words from Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, verses 27 to 28: Guided by the Spirit, Simeon entered the temple. When Jesus’ parents brought Him in, to do what was customary under the law, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. This act reminds us of the profound presence of God, drawing us closer to Him through Jesus Christ.
The Foundation of God’s Promises
In Jesus, we find our true place of rest, our sanctuary as we traverse through life. The promises God has given us in the scriptures, especially realized through Christ, are the very rock upon which we build our lives. They’re the anchors that steady us when the journey ahead seems long, uncertain, or stormy. These storms of life may crash upon our shores, yet God remains a steadfast foundation, a firm and reliable anchor.
Simeon and Anna’s Faithful Witness
Today’s Gospel recounts the fulfillment of God’s promises to Simeon and Anna, two figures who had faithfully awaited the Messiah. Though the exact length of Simeon’s wait is unknown, tradition suggests it was quite extensive, lending insight into his joy upon seeing the Christ child, a joy so profound that he felt ready to meet his end in peace. Anna, similarly, had waited nearly six decades as a widow in the temple, eagerly anticipating Jerusalem’s redemption.
The Vision Granted by the Spirit
Simeon and Anna were where they needed to be—in the temple, bearing witness to this divine revelation. Like John the Baptist at Jesus’ baptism, Simeon recognized the Christ not by sight, but through the Holy Spirit’s revelation. In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he declares, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” What an honor it was for Simeon and Anna to perceive this fullness in the infant Jesus.
Recognizing God in Our Midst
The same Spirit that illuminated Simeon and Anna dwells in us. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. I often wonder if this indwelling Spirit grants us the vision to discern God’s presence in those around us and amid our circumstances. God is always near, intimately involved in His creation, though we may erroneously think He’s distant or indifferent.
The Call to See with Spirit-Aided Vision
Every encounter with another person, especially within the body of Christ, offers us a chance to recognize the Divine. These moments may be realized only in hindsight, often overshadowed by outward appearances or societal judgments. We must remain open to recognizing God’s presence, even in the unlikeliest encounters.
Staying Anchored Amidst the Chaos
In times like these, when the world appears to be spiraling into conflict and discord, it’s vital to keep our gaze fixed on the One who overcame the world. As we gather for baptism, let us remember that we are trained to anticipate a Savior, much like Simeon and Anna. Our prayer should aspire to recognize Jesus in our lives, inspired by the Holy Spirit to perceive His presence in love, mercy, and generosity.
Walking the Journey with Purpose
Even when it’s challenging to discern God’s presence, we can strive to serve Him in every interaction. The scriptures tell us that in showing hospitality, some have entertained angels without realizing it. Through love and generosity, we can uncover the divine in the mundane.
Embracing God’s Presence
I am reminded of the poem “Footsteps in the Sand,” which recounts how God carries us through our most difficult times, even when we feel alone. These are the moments when God is nearest, although we might only appreciate His presence with hindsight. As we continue our journey, let us remain aware of God’s presence, working within us and through us, guided by the Holy Spirit to recognize His work in a world that awaits redemption.
Posted on: January 26th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Some words from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians chapter 12, verses 12 to 13, have resonated deeply with me. They speak to the idea that, just as the body is one and has many members, all the members, though many, are one body. So it is with Christ, for in one spirit, we were all baptized into one body.
The Swearing-In of a New Leader
Recently, we witnessed a significant moment in history as the United States swore in its 47th president. The oath of office requires the president to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. This ritual emphasizes the role of foundational documents in guiding a nation’s character and unity.
Reflecting on Our Foundations
Many nations are guided by constitutional documents, which are fundamental principles guiding governance. These documents reflect the vision and values set by their authors and are measured against time to ensure alignment with their founding intent. It makes me wonder how today’s America, and indeed other nations, measure up against these founding visions.
A Journey Back in Time
This reflection brings to mind Ezra’s discovery of the book of laws as recounted in the book of Nehemiah. It was a momentous and emotional period for Ezra and the people of Israel, reminiscent of the feeling of rediscovery when the law was returned to their possession after Babylonian captivity.
Listening to Scripture with New Ears
In our gospel reading, it is Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, who reads from the scriptures and explains their fulfillment. He brings good news, promises release to prisoners, and lets the oppressed go free, announcing the acceptable year of the Lord. Despite the miracles and teachings, Jesus was unreceived by his own people, a rejection within God’s plan for salvation.
Unity Through the Spirit
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians emphasizes the grace bestowed upon us through Jesus’s sacrifice. Growing up, these words introduced the greeting of peace, a reminder that we are baptized into one body and should pursue peace to build common life. Unity is vital, not just as a concept but a divine gift given to us from God.
Celebrating Our Differences
As a community, we are drawn from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but in Christ Jesus, we form one body. Every member matter, contributing to the whole. Yet, the same diversity can also breed divisions, based on outward characteristics.
Facing Divisions with Grace and Mercy
We must address these divisions head-on, for unity requires action. God has given us the grace to forgive and reconcile, to cherish unity gifted in Christ. Let us strive towards unity, guided by the Holy Spirit, seeking peace and building a communal life.
Witnessing to the World
Our unity reflects the divine justice marked by mercy, calling us to follow suit in our relationships. By embracing this shared unity, living out God’s presence and love, we engage in a testimony of faith to the world. Let us pursue peace, strengthened by the grace bestowed on us, embodying the unity that transcends human-made constitutions.
A Call to Faithful Obedience
In obedience to God, we step forward, embracing our identity in him, with a commitment to pursuing peace and nurturing a shared life. Amen.
Posted on: January 19th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Expect the Unexpected: Embracing the Miracle of Faith
It is a joy to see those who ventured out in the cold this morning and a warm welcome to everyone joining us via live stream for today’s service. Let me share some inspiring words from the Gospel of John, Chapter 2. In this passage, we learn about a wedding in Cana of Galilee where Jesus performs His first miracle.
At this wedding, the wine runs out, which could have ended the celebration prematurely. But with Mary’s faith and Jesus’ presence, a miracle happens: He turns water into wine. This was not just any wine, but the best wine. This story teaches us about expecting the unexpected when Jesus is involved.
The Challenge of Faith Today
In today’s world, many people find it easier to participate in church activities from a distance due to technology. However, this distance can lead to a sense of isolation. Our faith is meant to be lived out in community, where we meet regularly for worship and support each other.
Facing Modern Challenges
The challenges of secularism and technology in our society may lead some to see faith as something optional. But God has shown us, time and again, that He provides for His church. Through spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit, God equips us to face all challenges.
Anticipating God’s Goodness
Just like Mary expected Jesus to work a miracle at the wedding, we can also expect God’s goodness in our lives. Whether through trials or moments of doubt, we can trust that God is turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Following Jesus’ Lead
Our task is to trust in God’s plans and do what He tells us. By following Jesus’ teachings, we can be sure of a future that is filled with God’s blessings and love. As Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians, we should never tire of doing good. There will be a time for reaping the harvest if we do not give up.
Conclusion
This is not just the end but the beginning of a greater journey with God. Let us work for the good of all and especially for our family of faith. As we do this, remember that God is with us, transforming our lives. The best is yet to come!
Friends, let God’s love inspire and guide us as we continue this beautiful journey together. Amen.
Posted on: January 12th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Welcome! Today, as we commemorate the baptism of the Lord, I extend a warm welcome to all, especially to our friends joining via livestream.
The Expectation of Something Greater
In Luke’s gospel, we hear the words of John the Baptist as he addresses the people filled with expectation. He clarifies that while he baptizes with water, one more powerful is coming, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John’s proclamation not only invited the people to repent but to prepare their hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus, the decisive figure in the defeat of spiritual enemies, the one whose birth we celebrated just over two weeks ago.
The Transformative Call to Repentance
Masses flocked to John, including tax collectors and soldiers, inquiring about what was required of them. John guided them towards a change of heart, emphasizing actions of repentance: sharing with others, fairness in dealing, and treating others justly. This transformative move of God provoked great expectation among the people, who mistakenly thought John might be the Messiah. But John set the record straight, pointing to Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, who purifies our lives like fire purifies metal.
The Baptism of Jesus and the Presence of the Trinity
When Jesus approached to be baptized, it was a profound affirmation of John’s ministry. Despite appearing at times unconventional, John’s role was significant, as evidenced by Jesus’ participation. In this narrative, we witness all three persons of the Trinity: the Son being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father affirming from heaven.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
The good news is that Jesus has promised and bestowed upon us the same Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit supports, strengthens, and transforms us, making us children of God and enabling us to live in faith and obedience. Our transformation, known as sanctification, begins instantly but unfolds throughout our lives, shaping us into who God calls us to be.
Misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit
There are misconceptions among some Christians about the manifestation of the Holy Spirit being solely through speaking in tongues. I recall visiting a church where spiritual activities were seemingly controlled by the ringing of a bell, which felt contrived. Instead, being baptized in the Holy Spirit involves living in accordance with the Spirit—changing our lives and setting our minds on spiritual things.
Living a Spirit-Led Life
Living by the Spirit means allowing it to dwell within us, correcting us, and guiding us away from sin. We are invited to serve God and our neighbors selflessly, detaching from reliance on earthly powers and resting in God’s strength. Our journey is one of faith, patience, and transformation, empowered by the Spirit.
Embracing Weakness, Finding Strength
Recognizing our weaknesses allows us to experience the Holy Spirit’s strength. God’s grace is sufficient, and His power perfects in our weakness. When our will falters, the Spirit encourages us, whispering the way forward and stirring our hearts towards spiritual fervor and continued faithfulness.
A Call to Faithfulness
Wherever you are on your Christian journey, if you find yourself drifting, consider returning to faithful living. If life challenges you, remember you are held by the one who never lets go. Offer your struggles to the one who baptizes and cleanses with the Spirit, inviting transformation and purity into your life.
Posted on: January 5th, 2025 by St. Stephens Downsview
Friends, today I invite you to reflect on the profound lessons epiphany offers us, especially in the context of multiculturalism. Before we dive in, please ensure that any distractions, like cell phones, are set aside as we engage with these thoughts. Let us consider the words from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians, chapter three, verses five through six. Here, Paul speaks of a mystery once hidden, now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Experiment of Multiculturalism
Our modern western world, including Canada, has embarked on an experiment of multiculturalism. This experiment aims to foster a society where various cultures coexist alongside a more dominant culture. While this ideal promotes unity and diversity, it remains flawed. A primary flaw lies in the coexistence without authentic dialogue and interaction between different cultures, reducing real unity to mere neighborly tolerance. As witnessed in Canada, cultural enclaves often respond more to events in their countries of origin than align with Canadian values, indicating a disconnect.
The Issue of Sin and Its Consequences
Another significant flaw in this multicultural endeavor is the assumption that humanity can determine what brings well-being without addressing the problem of sin. The pursuit of unity is noble, but it can fall short if it overlooks the fundamental human condition of sin. How might we reconsider this yearning for oneness in light of the epiphany we commemorate today?
The Revelation of Christ’s Promises
Epiphany reminds us that the promises of Christ are not merely for intellectual consideration but are deeply rooted in human history and demand a heartfelt response. Jesus’s life claims every life, urging us to answer the pivotal question: Who do you say Christ is? This answer determines our response through the ages. The gospel’s universal scope declares Jesus as the light of the world — a beacon for all, beyond specific religious or cultural identities.
The Symbolism of the Wise Men
The wise men’s journey during Herod’s reign, as they followed a star to honor the newborn king of the Jews, symbolizes the inclusion of the gentiles—of you and me. Their homage to Christ challenges us to acknowledge that we, once considered far off, are drawn near by His light. This narrative urges us to recognize the mystery now revealed in Christ: the unity of all believers, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Subverting Cultural Norms
Historically, human cultures have often shaped their conception of divinity in ways that privilege their own heritage. This was evident among the Jewish people of Jesus’s time. Yet Christ subverts these cultural limitations, affirming that God’s call transcends any one culture or ethnicity. Jesus represents the eternal Son of God, undermining his own Jewish cultural claims and giving us all equal standing before God.
A Personal Claim on Our Lives
In Christ, God comes to us, fulfilling promises that Israel would be a light to the nations. Jesus’s life commands us to recognize its importance across all human experiences. Recognizing this truth is a transformative epiphany, altering our perception and engagement with the world around us. This transformation is reflected in how we see ourselves, fundamentally shifting our interactions and guiding us towards a deeper understanding of what it means to truly follow Christ.
Unpacking the Light of Christ
Like the wise men, we spend our lives unpacking the profound significance of the light of Christ’s life. The gifts they offered were just the beginning; our journey involves continually embracing the transformative impact of this light. To be drawn to Christ’s light is to be sanctified, defining our culture and heritage not as prisons but as gifts that yield central place to Christ.
The Twofold Nature of Epiphany
Ultimately, the message of epiphany is universal. It reminds us that God’s manifestation has an undeniable claim on all human lives. This claim is both a personal challenge and a gracious promise — one that calls us to recognize Christ as central to our existence and our response to the world around us. As we acknowledge and accept this claim, we find freedom and unity in becoming fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ. Amen.
Posted on: December 30th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Reflections on Jesus in the Temple
Let us begin in prayer. We gather in this beautiful season of Christmas to express our gratitude for the remarkable gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord. As we come together to hear the Word, we pray to be enveloped in God’s love, enabling us to love all those whom God loves. With these words, I speak in the name of God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Please be seated, and good morning to each of you. It fills my heart with joy to see so many gathered here on this first Sunday after Christmas. I am eager to share a passage with you from Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, verse 46. It tells the story of Jesus in the temple, where He was found seated among the teachers, listening and posing questions. The beauty of this moment is as warming as a cozy fireplace on a chilly day.
A Journey to the Heart
In my own life, I’ve moved away from the perpetual warmth of the Caribbean to colder climates, and this shift has taught me new forms of warmth. Just like the allure of a fireplace on a frigid day, the scriptures draw us in, inviting us to linger and find warmth. Today’s gospel story of Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem with the young Jesus echoes this sentiment.
Mary and Joseph experienced unexpected anxiety when they realized Jesus was missing after leaving Jerusalem. As parents, one can only imagine their hearts pounding with fear when they couldn’t find Him among their friends and relatives. After three agonizing days, they finally discovered Him in the temple, engaging with the teachers, who marveled at His understanding.
The Unexpected Lessons of Love
The dialogue that follows between Mary and Jesus is telling. Mary, with concern, asked Jesus why He stayed behind, and He responded with a question that sought deeper understanding. This gentleness despite their anxiety, with no anger or reproach, is an exercise of love that we are gently coaxed to emulate, as highlighted in the letter to the Colossians and Corinthians.
Paul’s writings to the Colossians, saying to clothe oneself in love for perfect harmony, echo the sentiments seen in Mary and Joseph’s response to Jesus. This love, described beautifully in 1 Corinthians 13, is patient, kind, and forgiving—qualities we observe in Jesus’ parents. Mary, notably, treasured this incident in her heart, and there was an evident reconciliation of the entire matter.
Invitations of the Season
The Christmas season beckons us to come close to the warmth of Jesus’ life, that we too may be wrapped in His love and demonstrate it in our interactions with others. This narrative invites us to reflect: with whom can we be more compassionate, kind, or patient? Who in our lives requires our forgiveness or understanding?
Our journey toward holiness, growing in grace and favor, is encapsulated in these thoughtful reflections. We are invited to approach life’s challenges with a heart clothed in love, much like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus exemplified.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray. O God, who has known us since our own mothers’ wombs, remind us to follow You diligently and faithfully. In our life’s journey, when we wander, clothe us in your love, allowing us to grow in grace, favor, and generosity. Through Jesus Christ, our incarnate Lord, Amen.
Posted on: December 22nd, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Today, I want to share a reflection on a profound message from Luke’s gospel, chapter one, verses 42 and 45. Here, Elizabeth speaks to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” These words beckon us to dive into the joy and faith that Mary experienced upon receiving the news from the angel Gabriel. At first glance, it might not seem like good news—a young girl learning she will give birth to the Son of the Most High—but it’s a message soaked in divine purpose and joy.
Understanding Mary’s Journey
Imagine Mary’s situation: a poor young girl engaged to be married, receiving astonishing news that could upheave her entire life. She was chosen by God, not because of her status or any extraordinary trait, but because of God’s grace. This election required great humility and courage on Mary’s part to accept God’s will and believe in the fulfillment of His promises.
Life Under Roman Rule
Mary and her people lived under the heavy hand of Roman rule. It was a time of deep spiritual darkness, where the people of God were often preoccupied with maintaining the status quo, dulling their perception of God’s ongoing work. Yet, in these humble circumstances, God was at work in Mary’s life, and through her, God’s promises to Israel were to be fulfilled.
The God Who Surprises
Throughout history, God has shown a pattern of working through the humble and lowly, those willing to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” God’s surprises come often when we least expect them. They are not restricted by the mighty and powerful but are realized through those who are open to His word, much like Mary.
Our Community’s Journey
As we reflect on our journey as a congregation at St. Stephen Downsville over the past 70 years, we see both the ebbs and flows of community life. Throughout this time, we’ve welcomed new members, baptized many, and bid farewell to those who have passed. We’ve experienced profound joy and hopeful anticipation, witnessing God’s hand lifting our efforts in faithfulness.
Faith in Action
Our community has thrived on the tireless work of many—those preparing sanctuaries, leading services, volunteering, and managing finances. Our musicians have enhanced our worship, and our Saint’s Cafe has provided for those in need, reflecting the spirit of the Magnificat by lifting the lowly and feeding the hungry.
Looking Forward with Hope
While challenges persist, God has been faithful. He continues to see, know, sustain, and call us to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” Our task is to remain open to recognizing Christ’s presence among us, finding joy, and encouragement in our work. In this season, let’s rejoice in this God who is our savior, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
Posted on: December 16th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
In this season of Advent, we are called to reflect on the depths of our faith and the fruits we bear in our lives. As I speak to you in the name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I invite you to consider the transformative power of repentance and how it shapes our actions and existence in this world.
The Ancient Call to Fruitfulness
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, verses 8 to 9, John the Baptist delivers a poignant message to the crowd gathered for baptism. He urges them to “bear fruits worthy of repentance,” emphasizing that ancestry alone does not secure salvation. These words remind us of the divine command found in Genesis, where God, in His creation of earth’s vegetation, enshrined a principle of fruitfulness within nature itself. This principle extends to us as God’s human creatures, calling us to produce fruit through our actions and lives.
The Seed, the Fruit, and Our Hearts
Reflecting on this principle, consider your heart and mind as the seed, and your actions and words as the fruit you produce. The things we ponder, consume, and engage with sow seeds in our hearts that manifest in our lives. It is crucial, therefore, that we are mindful of what we allow to take root within us. Particularly with our youth, we must be cautious of the influences they encounter, knowing these will shape their future actions.
John the Baptist’s Message
John’s message was clear and compelling: real change, not superficial allegiance, was required. Despite his rugged outward appearance, it was his proclamation of God’s kingdom being at hand that captured attention. John’s call was one of repentance, urging people to turn their hearts back to God, preparing the way for the coming Messiah through authentic change.
Repentance in a Modern Context
Even today, John’s message challenges us. Retired Bishop N. T. Wright reminds us that while our journey with Christ involves more than just repentance, it certainly starts there. Our spiritual transformation through God’s grace requires a genuine change of heart reflected in our lives. Therefore, we must ask ourselves: what does bearing fruit worthy of repentance look like for each of us personally?
Practical Steps to Demonstrate Repentance
John provided general guidance to the crowds: share with those in need, be fair, and be content. Yet, the application of repentance can vary based on personal circumstances. Perhaps it means donating excess to those lacking or reevaluating our priorities away from material pursuits. During moments like Black Friday, where consumerism often overshadows compassion, we should remember to consider those around us and their needs.
A Prayer for Transformation
As we navigate this Advent season and beyond, may God transform our hearts, enabling us to live authentically in accordance with our baptismal promises. Let us pray for the courage and wisdom to bear fruits that are visible signs of genuine repentance, impacting our lives and the world around us.
Amen.
Posted on: December 9th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Luke tells us that John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Over the last year and about two months, the world’s attention has been captivated by what are perhaps the two major conflicts of the world. The war between Russia and Ukraine, and the war between the Israeli government and Hamas. The reality is that neither of these wars started in this generation. Their roots, originating from that original offense, go back for many generations. Some nations and people have been fighting for so long that they probably can’t even remember what they were really fighting for anymore. We just know that we are at war.
It takes real effort to remember an offense over many generations because it requires intentionality in holding a grudge. It requires intentionality to hand on unforgiveness, to teach those coming after us what those who have gone before us have done, in a way that engenders a desire for vengeance, even against their descendants. You didn’t do me anything, but your father’s father’s father’s father’s father did, and so you’re going to bear the brunt.
Transforming Our Path
Where does it all end? How do we stop this moving train? Or at least, how do we change its course or direction? While it may be easy for us to ask such questions about external wars, it is much more challenging for us as the people of God to address the questions of such wars which rage within us. That is the internal struggle over whether we strive to walk more and more in the light of Christ and in communion and fellowship with his body, the church, or whether we continue to try to do things our own way, on our own terms in this life, and to try to go it alone. Because that’s the war that rages within each and every one of us.
The Challenge of Identity
It is both ironic and devastatingly sad that many nations and peoples continue to fight, even to this day, against other nations. They’ve invested so much in the cause—so much into this conflict—that stopping feels impossible. The conflict has become such an integral part of their identity that they would find it very difficult to even recognize themselves if they just stopped fighting. This is who we are. Similarly, I would venture to say that we find it extremely difficult to change the course of our lives because we feel that we have gone so far down a particular road.
Our lives and our identity have been shaped by the unfortunate choices and decisions that we have made along the way, forming a kind of home for ourselves. Leaving that home or recognizing who we really are if we were to live more like the way Christ calls us is a difficult task. But yet, friends, that is precisely what repentance calls us to do.
The Call to Repent
In repentance, there is a change of heart, a change of mind with regard to the choices that we have made or the things that we have done, and therefore a change in the direction in which our life is headed. That’s what repentance means. There is authentic godly sorrow over our past deeds because in that moment of repentance, we recognize and acknowledge that God’s way was always right and that it is we who have strayed. From that moment of repentance, we endeavor in the grace of God and with the power of the Holy Spirit to continue along God’s way and not our own.
The Pathway to Peace
Repentance is stopping right in our tracks—and turning back towards the light, turning back towards God. Walking towards the light that is Christ’s life, it is in this act of repentance, stopping, acknowledging, turning, and walking towards God that we begin to experience the peace that Christ brings. God’s peace goes to the root of our conflict. It goes to the heart of our sin. It begins with truth-telling, and this truth-telling must often work through conflict to establish a true and authentic peace.
Conclusion
Perhaps the place to begin in identifying those things of which we need to repent is by giving careful attention to those areas of our lives where we do not presently experience God’s peace. As you consider who you are and where you are in the light, where is that groaning in your life? Where is that heaviness? Where’s that sense of unease? Where’s that sense maybe of complacency in the midst of the darkness?
God never called us to be peacekeepers. God calls us to be peacemakers. And making peace is by no means easy work, but it is important work. It is gospel work. It is the path of peace. It is our salvation.
Posted on: November 24th, 2024 by St. Stephens Downsview
Understanding the Kingdom of God
We always run into problems when we try to align the kingdom of God with our national, racial, cultural, or political ideologies. It is not the same thing. It does not compare. Jesus said to Pilate that he came into the world to testify to the truth, and that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to his voice. Jesus’s kingdom is none other than the truth of God, which unmasks all of the lies, distortions, and corruptions of sin in this world. That’s why it undermines every other earthly kingdom. His battle is one of drawing to himself hearts, minds, and wills that have gone astray from the truth.
Common Ground of Humanity
These basic human characteristics—our hearts, minds, and wills—we all have them, regardless of where you live, your culture, race, nationality, or political ideology. Hearts, minds, and wills are common to us all. Jesus’s kingdom is recognized by its witness to the truth that the one true and living God has indeed come to live among his human creatures. By that action, he has come to redeem us, save us, restore us in our relationship with God, save us from ourselves, and save us from our sin. As we look back in hindsight, and as we look around us in the present, the point, friends, is that God’s kingdom rule is already present. It is already at work in our midst. It is both present and coming into being if we only have eyes to see it.
The Treasure of the Kingdom
As I thought about this, I was reminded of the parables of the kingdom, the 13th chapter of Matthew’s gospel. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field, which someone finds and hides, then goes and buys that whole field. Or a merchant in search of fine pearls discovers one of great value and sells everything to buy it. In both instances, they sell all they have to obtain it and make sure not to lose this treasure they have found. In other words, there’s nothing more important or valuable on this earth than discovering the truth that the kingdom of God is present and coming into this world through Jesus Christ.
The Awakening
Being awakened to the reality that God’s kingdom is present and at work among us is like waking up from a deep sleep. You don’t even know you’ve fallen asleep until someone nudges you, and then you realize, “Oh, I fell asleep.” Awakening to the reality of the kingdom of God and his rule in our lives is like that, and there’s nothing of greater value in this life than that discovery. From that point forward, you don’t have to walk around like a zombie. You may indeed listen to Jesus’s voice, follow him as the way, the truth, and the life, and live from that point onward in loving service to God and one another.
Anticipation of Advent
When we get to Advent, the message is to keep awake and alert. Let us not fall asleep in lives apart from the truth of Christ. Over our diocese, we have been engaged in the process called “cast the net” based on Jesus’s post-resurrection appearance in John’s gospel. This requires the renewal of our spirituality—you cannot give what you do not have or lead where you have not gone. As the season of Advent approaches, I encourage you to join us for spiritual renewal opportunities.
Recognizing God’s Kingdom
Wherever you see the people of God commit to the daily renewal of their spiritual lives, study scripture, read, pray, sing, and share their faith, there you will catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom in those small things. What we celebrate at Christmas, the birth of our Savior, was known to only a few, yet God was at work quietly, powerfully changing history. His rule of truth and salvation is here, coming more into being. May God grant us grace to pass through the temporal to not lose the eternal kingdom.
