Message from the Rector – Easter 2016
Keeping the Peace
The world is in turmoil around us. There are threats everyday to our physical bodies, and our individual and national security. We are constantly pulled in several directions: people are crying for jobs or places to gain experience, our ever changing environment constantly requires us to adapt to a new climate and lifestyle. The poor get poorer, the need to quench our thirst for more “stuff” seems to be the only driving force for many people.
In fact, for many people, the only life they know is one of uncertainty and chaos.
Yet that is not the message of the reign of God, nor is it the message of the kingdom builders – us. Even so, our ministries of serving God can wear thin on us, and we need to rely on the One who calls us to serve. We must remember that God loves us and invites us to provide and share a world of love for others.
The challenge for us, at times, is how do we do it? How do we find the time, the energy and the strength to love and serve others in our community, near and far?
We begin with the Scriptures. Many times before Jesus taught or performed miracles he would pray first. His relationship with others was grounded in his relationship with God. He was God among us, inviting us to times of peace and quiet before the storm of life.
We can live by the example that Jesus gave us.
In a world where life is so busy and we barely have time to breathe, we are invited into a time of silence and peace each and every day. It is not when our heads hit the pillows, however. It is found when we find that time alone with God, and are welcome in our Lord’s presence.
Contemplative prayer does just that. It affords us that time to invite God into our lives. As we seek and find the silence, God welcomes us into a new and exciting relationship.
This form of prayer originated in Christ but was revived by the Monastic era. The unity one feels with God through a deeper time of silence with God gives us the courage we need to continue loving others in ways we didn’t know we could.
It may seem strange that opening our hearts and minds to God might do this. The only way we truly know whether this is true or not is by practicing this ancient skill ourselves.
In one week we will begin Holy Week. During this time, come to the liturgies where there are opportunities for silence and reflection. Let the quietness of our minds be filled with God’s love for ourselves, our faith community and our neighbours.
And when the resurrection of Christ is celebrated Easter Day, we can peacefully, and calmly rejoice to the highest heavens.
Reverend Cathy