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.
We are delighted to have all of you here today, those present and those joining via live stream. I want to discuss with you an inspiring passage from John’s Gospel, specifically chapter 11, verses 39 to 40. Here, we explore the profound moment when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, a moment pivotal not only for creation but also in understanding our human life and faith in death.
The Miracle of Lazarus
Jesus commanded, “Take away the stone,” to which the worry arose: “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for days.” Yet, Jesus reassured, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” This miracle of raising Lazarus challenges us to see beyond the physical narrative to the expressions of faith.
The Significance of the Miracle
This public demonstration of divine power attracted significant attention, much to the chagrin of religious leaders who conspired against Jesus to avoid Roman scrutiny. Lazarus, undeniably dead for days, should have produced a stench, yet none was present when the stone was removed. This absence of decay signified something profound and divine at work, validating Jesus’s teachings and revealing God’s glory.
Implications for Our Faith
Jesus’s prayer at the tomb, acknowledging God’s ever-present hearing, reinforces that even as Lazarus was bound by death, God’s love never faltered. The miracle depicts that death is not the end; it is part of a broader narrative in our journey with God.
The Promise of Resurrection
Lazarus’s resurrection foreshadows Christ’s triumph over death, reminding us of our ultimate resurrection. Baptism symbolizes this renewal, marking us as God’s own, joining us with Christ in life and death. This miracle signifies that despite any trial, the enemy does not have the final say—God’s word prevails.
Life in Baptism and Grace
Paul’s teachings illustrate that through baptism, we are immersed in Christ’s death and resurrection, leading to a rebirth as new creations. This divine act is not by our might but through grace, highlighting that even when dead in transgressions, God breathes life into us through Christ.
Called to be Saints
Our identity as Christians involves acknowledging our imperfections while striving to embody holiness through Christ’s sanctifying grace. Saints are not flawless beings but are those earnest in faith, continually rising from sin to pursue God’s righteousness.
Encouragement and Perseverance
As we navigate our spiritual paths, much like Austin and Amelia will, we lean on grace and community support. Acknowledging our need for repentance and renewal, we are reminded of God’s readiness to forgive, guiding us through life’s journey toward eternal life.
Conclusion
As we commemorate All Saints’ Day, let us find inspiration in the steadfastness of faith. Though we falter, we rise anew in Christ’s grace, relentlessly pursuing a life devoted to God. May this reflection reignite our sense of purpose, instilling hope in the promise of life eternal.
In life’s journey, none of us are immune to suffering and pain. As believers, we are called to approach these challenges with a heart full of faith and perseverance, much like Job or the apostle Paul. In the Book of Job, the man from the land of Uzh stood as a model of blamelessness and fear of God. Even amidst unimaginable suffering, he remained upright, never forsaking his faith. This, dear readers, is the essence of what we must strive for in our own lives.
The Call to Persevere
We are not exempt from trials, whether they come from within our families or our broader communities. Jesus Himself faced persecution, trials, and ultimately, the cross. Our reaction should mirror His: “Father, if it pleases you, let this cup pass over me, but not my will, but your will.” We too must be ready to face the unexpected and seek a godly response.
Job’s Example
Let’s delve into Job’s story. In chapter 1, we meet a man praised for his righteousness. This is the personality we should emulate in times of suffering. Job remained steadfast even when he lost everything, and through this, God eventually restored him, blessing him abundantly.
The trials we face today, whether financial hardship, loss, or persecution, all have an expiration date. It is crucial to stand firm, trusting that the end will bring glory and restoration, much like Job’s.
The Power of Prayer and Community
Prayer is our spiritual weapon. As believers, we must be men and women of prayer, constantly seeking God’s guidance and grace. Our communities can serve as beacons of support, helping us reflect on the stories of perseverance from the Bible. The stories of faithful figures like Jeremiah, Meshach, and Abednego illustrate that perseverance through trials can lead to divine rewards.
Suffering as a Test of Faith
Riches don’t test our faith—suffering does. God tested Abraham not to cause him distress but to strengthen his faith. Today, God might do the same with us. These trials are opportunities for growth, potentially transforming our suffering into stepping stones toward greater faith.
Our Example to the World
Our actions preach louder than our words. The world watches us, the Christians, looking to see how we respond to adversity. This way, our lives become living testaments of faith. We may not read the Bible often, but our actions reflect its teachings to those around us.
The Endurance of Christ
Let us embrace the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself unto death for humanity’s sake. Our endurance, humility, and perseverance in this life pave the way for blessings in the next. The end is near, and there is glory in store for those who faithfully endure.
Concluding Prayer
Let us pray: Lord, guide us through our trials with courage and faith. Strengthen each of us here today, as individuals and as a church community. May Your word bring peace and understanding to our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
