Resurrection of our Lord

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Friday the Good

Clergy Comment article

Here is my article published in the March 17, 2016 Camrose Canadian Clergy Comment column.

   Lent and meanings of the cross

The most prominent symbol of the Lenten season is the cross. The English word symbol comes from two Greek words meaning, “to throw together.” When one reflects on that, a light bulb comes on.

   For example, a cross consists of two pieces of material coming together—one vertical, and one horizontal. The vertical portion of the cross, of course, symbolizes our relationship with God. It is a reminder that God, through the person of Jesus, came to grace us with a relationship of unconditional love. This relationship is only possible through God’s initiative, not through anything we have to offer, or are, in and of ourselves.

   The horizontal portion of the cross symbolizes our relationships with others as together we journey in faith in response to what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross; we are called into a life of loving our neighbours. Love comes alive and is made known through serving our neighbours.

   The cross symbolizes a “throwing together” of the least likely people. For example, in Jesus’ public ministry, he associated with and called such diverse people as: a Samaritan woman, who engaged in the longest recorded theological conversation with Jesus in all the gospels; Zacchaeus who was a wealthy tax collector and likely despised by his fellow Jewish citizens; and the list goes on, the point being that Jesus’ ministry was an inclusive one; all were welcome. The cross therefore symbolizes a “throwing together” of people from every background in the church. 

   However, the cross also symbolizes a “throwing together” of all that is in opposition to God and God’s purposes: evil and sin manifested through lies, hatred, injustice, violence, suffering and death. All of these opponents of God and God’s purposes “thrown together” crucified Jesus. Jesus continues to suffer and be crucified through the multiple sufferings and cruel, senseless deaths of far too many human beings today.

   Yet, in a deeply mysterious and profoundly powerful way, the cross symbolizes God’s reversal of reality whenever evil and sin are overcome with love and forgiveness; suffering and death are transformed into new, resurrection life; and failure and defeat turn into success and victory. It’s happening all around us as God’s realm continues to increase here and around the globe whenever: the hungry are fed; the thirsty are given a drink; the stranger is welcomed; the naked are clothed; and the sick and imprisoned are visited. 

Profound Augustine quotation

The following quote, attributed to Augustine of Hippo, is quite profound and provides food for thought.

   "The

world
is a

book,
and those who don't travel only read one page."

   I personally know this to be true. In my travels to different places-whether here in Canada or other countries-I believe that it has expanded my horizons, and facilitated growth and inspiration as well as a deeper appreciation for other people, their culture and history, as well as God's creation.

   The photo of the Bible I deliberately inserted into this post also reminds me that there is a huge, wonderful world within the Bible itself-the greatest book ever written, which continues to be a best-seller. If we dig deep into the Bible we shall be deeply enriched in our faith and life journey. Augustine's quote, I think, can also be applied to the world of the Bible. If one doesn't travel much into its pages, then it is like reading only one page, and we then lose out on so much of what God wants for each one of us. So, dear readers, be sure to do a lot of travelling in the world of the Bible, there are discoveries beyond measure, just waiting for you! :-)  

Happy International Women's Day!

My daughter & yours truly beside famous 5 statues in Ottawa

Today is International Women's Day. For Canadians, many remember the famous five Alberta women (Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards) who succeeded in making the case for women as persons, hence giving them the right to vote. 

   This was a significant step toward equality of the sexes in Canada. Today women are able to pursue their careers in whatever field they choose in Canada. In our province of Alberta today, we have a female premier Rachel Notley, and the provincial caucus consists of an equal number of women and men. Although we Canadians are far from perfect, today is a day to remember our history, be thankful for our foremothers, and celebrate what has been accomplished, as well as bring to consciousness what still needs to be addressed, such as the abuse and disappearance of aboriginal/first nations women in Canada.