Thoughts of the Day this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide, the time between Epiphany Sunday and Lent, during which we hear gospel stories of the growing faith of the disciples and of the revelation that Jesus is truly the son of God.
To mark this time, members of our congregation share stories of their own faith journeys and Epiphany moments that have inspired them and drawn them deeper into faith.
Thought and Prayer of the Day
by Keith Wager
It was a rather long and winding path which brought me to where I am today. The Anglican faith goes back a long way in my family. My Great Uncle was Reverend Earnest Teskey. But as a child I was much like others. Believed (sort of) but no particular following. I went to Sunday School at the United Church because it was the closest and we could catch a ride with the neighbour.
I wandered from one to the other, mostly none for a few years. I guess that my moment came when my daughter was born. She was in distress and like all new parents I was frantic to say the least. My mother suggested that I see Reverend Sid West at St. Paul’s On The Hill. He was a bit of a gruff person most of the time, but his calming words and the fact that he put on his coat and headed to the hospital to visit my Roman Catholic wife struck me with a force. I went through confirmation with him and as I approached the Communion rail I was overcome by a strange warmth.
I have since served All Saints’ as a Sidesperson, Lay Reader, Warden and Newsletter editor, now as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
My interest in Canada’s Indigenous people began my first year at University of Toronto when first year Anthropology students were taken on a “dig” at a site north of Orillia. Further courses and research papers later I was intrigued by Indigenous belief systems and how they and Christianity often dovetailed together. Sometimes there were even direct comparisons such as the fact that many North American belief systems include a great flood. I was also impressed by the role nature often played in these beliefs. Indigenous beliefs at times also seemed much more tolerant on a number of fronts, even those with impairments were viewed as touched by the Creator. Care for others is also central. In many indigenous cultures, after a successful hunt the elders and infirm were fed first.
Things sort of quieted down until Stew Ball got me involved in T&R. Is this something all should care about? I believe so because, the atrocities which were committed must be known. We cannot turn a blind eye and simply say “Get over it”. To correct the errors of the past, we must all walk the path of understanding together. I leave you with an Indigenous prayer and blessing from the Cherokee.
Prayer:
Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind
I come to you as one of your many children
I need your strength and your wisdom
Make me strong not to be superior to my brother
But to be able to fight my greatest enemy:
Myself.
May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Moccasins
Make happy tracks
in many snows,
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
