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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some words from Mark’s gospel, chapter 13 verse 8. Jesus said, “This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” To hear, see, and read stories from around the world today is to be exposed not just to the events taking place, but to a sensationalized version of them. This version of the news often aims to provoke our interest or excitement at the expense of accuracy. If we’re going to tell a story and make it catchy, sometimes details are left out.
For more than a year now, we have heard and seen the news stories of the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Palestine. We have heard and seen the news about the ongoing Russian invasion into Ukraine and the continuing political and socio-economic crisis in Haiti, where planes can’t even take off or land without being shot at. As matters spiral out of control, we have also heard news from the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan discussing the disastrous impacts of climate change. We have become painfully aware of the plight of new immigrants being marginalized, blamed for long-standing issues such as healthcare and housing shortages, along with spiking food prices—and we could go on.
The Reality of a Shifting World
More often than not, as we receive news of peoples and nations rising against one another and of natural and man-made disasters, we may come away with the impression that our stable world is falling apart. It seems as though the bottom is falling out and the end is near. Growing up, I would often hear, “Whenever there’s a tragedy, the world is coming to an end.” Such news, especially when sensationalized, may leave us feeling anxious or panicked.
In our gospel reading, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end, the coming of the Son of Man, and the beginning of the birth pangs. He says, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say ‘I am he,’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars, rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is still to come.”
Understanding the Present Circumstances
N.T. Wright, a retired Anglican Bishop, observes that today’s passage is not Jesus’s commentary about the end of the world. He argues that the passage addresses the present circumstances of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus was preparing them to endure a world without his physical presence, a world of false messiahs, wars, and upheaval in both natural and social orders.
This was a daunting prospect—a world marked by persecution and even death for those called by his name. Yet Jesus calls us not to be led astray or alarmed. He uses the analogy of birth pangs—painful, yet leading to new life—to encourage endurance.
A Call to Enduring Service
Jesus calls his followers to commit to serving God’s purposes over the long haul, even when we feel overwhelmed. We offer ourselves in service in many ways: through gracious judgments, considering others’ needs, offering a listening ear, and being slow to speak. We bear burdens, forgiving trespasses, and speak the truth of God’s word.
These forms of ministry are within reach for all. In times of conflict and turmoil, we are still called to serve. Our service arises from recognizing God’s mercy in our lives and remembering why God brought our community into being. We are not simply subject to random forces. Our actions matter in this world because God is already redeeming it.
Responding to God’s Call
So how is God calling you? How is He calling us as a community of faith to live? Where are those places where God invites you to serve—among the homeless, the hungry, or with friends going through loss? Perhaps at the side of a brother or sister facing challenges?
There are countless points of pain, and often the news only captures a portion. Yet God’s purposes are constantly crossing paths with these pains. These moments are not for us to simply observe but to serve, holding firm, and supporting His work in this world.
Let us not panic or be alarmed, but endure by coming alongside and serving. How is He calling you?
Good morning, friends. It’s a privilege to gather with you again as we reflect on the 25th Sunday after Pentecost and commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Our gathering is an opportunity to pause amidst the momentous events unfolding around us, a chance to seek insight from the psalmist, who wisely noted in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, their labor is in vain.” These words remind us that, without divine guidance, our endeavors lack true significance.
Living Through Momentous Times
We are living in a period marked by uncertainty and change, both globally and personally. From the surprising reelection of political leaders whom many doubted, to the collapse of long-standing governments across continents, it seems societies everywhere crave change—perhaps in pursuit of a nostalgic past. However, these upheavals, exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing wars, have left us questioning our future and the truth itself.
Economic pressures, rising costs of living, and environmental crises mirror this internal and global chaos. We find ourselves grappling with existential questions: What will become of me? How do I hold on to my identity and values?
A Call for Believers
These times prompt an essential question for believers: How do we not lose ourselves? How do we anchor our lives on the truth that is found in Jesus Christ, while navigating a tumultuous world? The scriptures remind us that God is actively working—establishing and preserving His heritage amidst chaos. The story of Ruth and Naomi exemplifies this truth, showcasing God’s providential care and purpose.
Through Ruth’s loyalty and Naomi’s determination, God ordained a future that went beyond their immediate concerns. They play a role in the lineage of King David, and ultimately Jesus Christ—a testament to God’s mysterious ways in history.
Faith Amidst Chaos
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus reveals a profound lesson as He observes a poor widow’s generous contribution at the temple. It’s a reminder that our true character—our faith and generosity—is revealed, not in abundance, but in sacrifice. Like fresh squeezed orange juice, the true essence of who we are emerges under pressure.
This widow’s faith was not forged in her poverty or loss; it sprang from a deep-seated faith rooted in Israel’s God. Her generosity wasn’t for show but stemmed from genuine trust in God’s provision.
Our Identity in God
As chaos swirls around us, God anchors us. He reminds us of who we are—children created in His image—and whose we are—belonging to Him. Our identity is not confined to the labels of societal groups or determined by our circumstances. Ultimately, it is God who sustains us, shaping our lives regardless of the world’s upheavals.
Looking to the Future
The days ahead may hold greater turmoil, yet believers are called to steadfast faith, anchored in Jesus, who is the truth and the life. By surrendering our lives to Him, our words, and deeds can become offerings of praise, reflecting God’s work within us and through us.
As we navigate these tumultuous and momentous times, remember that God is actively establishing His kingdom. Let us stand firm, confident in our identity as His heritage.
Prayer
God, our Redeemer, in sustaining the lives of Naomi and Ruth, you breathed new life into your people. May we, in turn, find restoration and nourishment by returning to you and acknowledging your sovereignty over all. We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
May these reflections encourage you as we journey through this complex, but divinely orchestrated world.
