Thoughts of the Day on Thursdays this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide where members of our congregation share stories of their own Epiphany moments.

 

Today’s reflection is by Tim Ralph.

 

Thursday, January 14

They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love

Though I was raised in the Anglican tradition, like many teens in the 1970’s and 1980’s, my early Christian formation occurred in several different community church youth groups.  Not really understanding the differences between churches such as Anglican, United, Lutheran and Presbyterian, my friends and I attended where we felt the most welcome, where we knew something fun was planned and where we felt our service was deemed useful. I believe these continue to be important characteristics of successful church communities.

At that time, music, often sung at evening vespers or during youth retreats also made its mark on me and helped to forge a path for me towards my own understanding of my role in the church and is it fair to say – a deeper understanding of God.

One of many songs that I carry with me from those days is “They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love.” (Feel free to have a listen by clicking this song title).

The lyrics of this song find their origins in the Gospel of John 13:34-35.  While speaking to the Disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus gave them a new command.  “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This verse, and the song based on it, continue to have a hold on me. I believe it provides answers to questions, such as “How do we identify ourselves as Christians?”, to the broader community?

As the pandemic continues and our bubbles become smaller, we will likely see more and more people lose their community connectedness, fall into poverty or be disadvantaged by systems already geared against them. What is our role as Christians in this time? How can we support and build bridges for those left behind?  For me, one answer is ‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love.’

As a Christian raised in the church, I continue to find great satisfaction in service and gratitude.  Being able to serve those in our community is how I demonstrate my faith.

During the dark evening of the Last Supper, Jesus explained to the disciples that when he was gone, the world would know that they were a disciple not by a uniform or badge or t-shirt, but rather by their love for one another and for others – by what they did for one another.

I acknowledge that we each approach our faith in different ways.  Some of us are thinkers, some are teachers, some leaders and others communicators.  My faith has always been geared to doing.  I can’t help, but think though, that regardless of our strengths, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Our prayer comes in the form of song:

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.

Amen.

Copyright: Words: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation), Music: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation)

 

 

Thoughts of the Day on Thursdays this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide where members of our congregation share stories of their own Epiphany moments.

 

Today’s reflection is by Jacky Bramma.

 

Tuesday, January 12

 

It never fails to amaze me how God works through the most unlikely people … ordinary folk who initially may seem to have no special qualities. Sometimes we may wonder why God chose the people he did. I think of Moses who killed an Egyptian in anger, or King David, whose lust for Bathsheba led him to send her husband Uriah to be killed in battle. And yet, both of them played a vital part in God’s plan. Moses even tried to say no to God, when told to deal with Pharaoh on behalf of the captive Israelites, telling him, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?” (Exodus 6:30). God’s response was to appoint Moses’ brother Aaron to be his spokesperson and his prophet. Problem solved!

How often do we shrink away from answering God’s call because we feel unworthy? I have learned that when God has something in mind for me, it is an idea which just won’t go away, and which may come from various sources, in a series of nudges and whispers. Such was my call to become a lay anointer for healing. After a long and winding road which finally led me to become a committed Christian 19 years ago, God brought me out of the wilderness to All Saints’.  I believe that it was no coincidence that, after losing touch for many years, I happened to come across the address of an old high school friend who had become a nurse. We exchanged letters (no email in those days!) and I was fascinated to hear about her healing ministry at her church. We met later that year on a trip to the UK, and I was drawn by her testimony. This came just at the time when All Saints’ only anointer was about to move away, and I knew that it was something I had to pursue, in spite of my feeling of inadequacy. After a weekend diocesan training course, followed by an interview with the bishop, I began a ministry of anointing and prayer which has been truly rewarding and a great privilege.

Of course, we know that the disciples chosen by Jesus during his ministry on earth were rough and ready and far from perfect. Like us they were flawed and vulnerable, and yet after Pentecost they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach and spread the Gospel in ways they could never have imagined. Scripture tells us that Jesus is sometimes exasperated at their failure to “get it”, such as when he calms the storm and asks his terrified disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4: 40), and yet he never gives up on them!

When preparing for this reflection I discovered that January 13 is dedicated to Saint Hilary of Poitiers. (In my ignorance I initially assumed this person to be a female, but soon learned that he was one of the most important Christians of the fourth century AD.) Born sometime after 300 AD in Poitiers, France, into a pagan, polytheistic family, his wealthy parents gave him a good education. However, Hilary soon came to the conclusion that worshipping many gods made no sense. He studied the scriptures, where he met Jesus, and his heart was changed. He married and had a daughter, Abra (who became a nun and devoted her life to the poor in Poitiers, and was herself declared a saint), before becoming baptised. As was the custom of the day, the appointment of bishops was made by local priests and approved by the people. So it was that he became Bishop of Poitiers. He preached tirelessly against the false teaching of the Libyan cleric Arius, who claimed that Jesus was not truly God. This campaign against Arianism was welcomed by the people, but not by the Emperor, who exiled him for four years to what is now modern day Turkey. Hilary made great use of this time to write many books and sermons about the blessed Trinity. When he finally returned to Poitiers, he was welcomed by huge cheering crowds in the town square. He died in 368 AD, and in 1851 the Roman Catholic Church named him a saint and a doctor of the church. Interestingly he is designated as the patron saint of snake bites!

What strikes me about his life was that he could have simply enjoyed a life of ease, and gone along with his pagan traditions, but his openness to God’s word set him on a very different path. He could have kept his opinions about Arianism to himself, but God worked through him to preach the true gospel. He could have spent his time separated from his family in exile merely counting the days when he would see them again, but instead he continued to do God’s work.

In more recent times there are examples of others who started out as non-believers, or even ardent atheists, and whose hearts were changed through studying the scriptures and responding to God’s call. Perhaps the most famous is C.S Lewis, considered to be one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century. Born in 1898, he did not become a Christian until the age of 31. Although initially he was a reluctant convert, he became one of the most influential Christian writers of our time.

Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel was born into a secular Jewish family in 1955, and was a confirmed atheist when he began his law studies at Cambridge. He was so dismayed when one of his closest friends became a Christian in 1974 that he set out to debunk Christianity by studying the Bible. The result was an amazing conversion. He was ordained in 1987, and has gone on to have a huge influence world-wide with the Alpha program.

These are just two examples of how God uses seemingly unlikely people, and I see an obvious pattern from the earliest times until now: it begins with a call from God to someone he chooses. The individual is free to accept or reject this invitation, although God can be very persistent and does not give up easily! Once a person finally says “yes”, God will equip even the most reluctant man or woman to do the work. How might God be leading you today? How might we, like St Hilary, be called to believe in and share the true Gospel? Whatever God has in mind for us, we can be sure that he will strengthen us for the task in hand if we allow him to work in us.

 A Celtic prayer by David Adams:

 BEYOND OURSELVES

Grant us a vision, Lord
To see what we can achieve
To reach out beyond ourselves
To share our lives with others
To stretch our capabilities
To increase our sense of purpose
To be aware where we can help
To be sensitive to your presence
To give heed to your constant call.

AMEN

 

Thoughts of the Day on Thursdays this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide where members of our congregation share stories of their own Epiphany moments.

 

Today’s reflection is by Patti Clift.

 

Thursday, January 7

 

It is my honour to share my faith story. I began my thoughts and prayers by researching the many definitions of the word epiphany. This amazing and powerful word can be defined as an illuminating discovery, realization or disclosure. Also, a manifestation or appearance of a divine or superhuman being. Seems like a very good place to start.

My Dad Charlie was a magnificent and wonderful chap who I adored. He was a quiet man but, when he spoke, I learned it was best to pause and listen. I like to think of him as a modern day ‘wise man.’ As a young person, with my parents’ spiritual guidance I was baptized and confirmed. I attended church, Sunday school and bible studies well into my teens. When the choice to come and worship was left to me, I gradually drifted away. I strongly feel it was never about not believing but for many reasons, I let life get in the way. My Dad was a devoted and constant servant of our Lord throughout his life. Over the years, he and I had many conversations about the ‘why and why nots’ of worship and faith. As I reflect, I realize the seeds were always there. He set an excellent example but being the wise man that he was, he knew that these decisions were mine to make. It took me many years (some would argue too many years) to understand just how strong and significant his influences were. Sadly, a few years ago my dear Dad died. I missed him profoundly in my life and struggled to find my way forward as he would have wanted. I believe that it was his spirit powered through the Lord that acted as my guiding light, leading me to All Saints later that year. The message was to look up, be brave, have faith, open my heart to the possibilities, feel the calling and walk through those doors. It was without a doubt my very own personal ‘aha moment’ From that very first Sunday and everyday since, I have felt both loving Fathers with me and my peace and purpose grew. Sharing church together continues to be a very treasured time. During these strange times, we still spend time together during my daily meditation. This is a constant force in my life allowing me to feel very thankful, loved and blessed each and everyday.

Coming to All Saints Whitby is a gift to me that just keeps giving. I have found my spiritual home and also gained a big, beautiful church family. Come and worship ~ learn and grow in faith. I know that my Dad is at peace and is very proud of me. My life is better, brighter, more positive and hopeful now that I have found my way back.

Jesus said ‘I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’. – John 8.12

May the light of Christ our Lord shine in all our hearts. Wishing my All Saints family a blessed new year as we continue to be strong together. ~ Amen

Tuesday, December 29

As we approach the end of this year, we are once again in lockdown. Covid-19 is sucking the joy out of us, even those of us who are “go with the flow” types of people.

Fear of the future causes us more distress sometimes than our immediate situations do. In this time of lockdown there are worries – when will it end, will the vaccinations work, when will I see family again, will I get sick.  These worries all have their origin in fear – fear of the unknown.

I get a bible verse delivered to my phone each day.  Today’s verse is Psalm 34:4: “I sought the Lord, and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34 is one of the Psalms of David.  We first meet David when he is a young shepherd boy who defeats the giant Goliath.  David later went on to be a king.  Was David a perfect man?  Far from it but he did experience a closeness with God.  He blessed the Lord and his songs of praise are recorded in the Psalms.  He had seen God’s faithfulness on many occasions, but this still did not make him immune to anxieties.

Different commentaries suggest that Psalm 34 was written after God had answered one of David’s prayers for deliverance. Iit was probably after David’s escape from the Philistine King Abimelech, found in 1 Samuel 21: 10-15.

When we “seek” the Lord for “deliverance,” we know that we may not be taken out of the situation but we are assured that God will walk with us as we go through it.

The fears we are experiencing because of COVID-19 are real.  Some of us are dealing with loved ones who are sick.  Some of us are worrying over a family member who is a frontline worker.  Some of us have a compromised immune system and fear getting sick and the implications that it would bring.

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Even though we are ending this year in lockdown instead of a giant New Year’s Eve party, God is still with us.  He is holding out His hand to us. We just need to grab onto it.  However your particular situation plays out, if your hand is firmly in His, you will get through it.  Let’s not let fear stop us from seeking the Lord in prayer and giving our worries and concerns to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, have mercy on all your children during this time of uncertainty.  Calm our fears.  Give us strength of mind and a cheerful spirit.  Amen.