Message – Proper 26 – Sunday, October 31, 2021

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The recent event in the Western City has generated numerous opinions, answers, and responses.  Most of us, if not all of us have already voiced our response to this very tragic and unfortunate incident.  It is not my intention to continue the discussion, however, I invite us to explore possible implications for us as Christians.

May I suggest that we explore what we mean when we say we are Christians and members of the Church, the Body of Christ.  I remind us, as I have done repeatedly, that Christianity is not just a religious belief system.  It is a way of life.  Every element and dimension of our lives should demonstrate that we are Christians.  Our Christianity is not a comparison between ourselves and others aimed at determining which expression of Christianity is superior or for that reason “more acceptable to you.”  Our Christian faith, belief and practice are grounded in our relationship with God, a relationship that informs all other relationships.

As we struggle with the matter of our Christianity, I invite us to go back to some of the foundational teachings that provide the basis for Christian living within our Anglican tradition.  In this regard, I suggest, we go back to our catechism pages 389-414 and the Liturgy for adult initiation pages 294-313, in our Book of Common Prayer.  I recommend that we read this prayerfully and reflectively as we seek to remind ourselves of those things that constitute our Christian identity.  Christianity involves a lifelong journey in which our lives are constantly being transformed into expressions of God’s will, intention and purpose.  The matters raised by both these liturgies, provide insight and guidelines to demonstrate this will, intention, and purpose.

As we read these pages in a prayerful and reflective way, it is my prayer that they will become alive to us, a source of enlightenment and encouragement, as we seek to give a tangible expression of our faith in Christ our Saviour and Lord. 

Christian living my brothers and sisters is a real-life experience, which is made authentic as we live Christ centred, Jesus shaped and focused lives.  In the midst of the ongoing challenges and struggles, we  renew and recommit ourselves in an ongoing way to be Christ’s faithful servants to our lives end .                                                                                                                    

Love Profound,

Fr. Eddie