Kimberley United Church

I’ll begin with a prayer written by Garrett Epp, a member of Knox Metropolitan United Church in Edmonton. This prayer was inspired by Jesus’ prayer and I was reminded of it this week as I was reflecting on the gospel passage for today. As we quiet our minds and open our hearts we pray…

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Reflection for January 8

There is a wisdom story that says that at the beginning of time, God resolved to hide within creation. As God was wondering how best to do this, the angels gathered around. ‘I want to hide myself in my creation’, God said. ‘I need to find a place that is not too easily discovered, for it is in the search for me that my people will grow in spirit and in understanding.’

‘Why don’t you hide yourself deep in their earth?’ the first angel suggested. God pondered for a while, then replied, ‘No. It will not be long before they learn how to mine the earth and discover all the treasures that it contains. They will discover me too quickly, and they will not have had enough time to do their growing.’ Continue reading Reflection: January 8

Let us pause for a moment to open our hearts and minds to God in the spirit of prayer:

God of Advent peace,

we give thanks for your loving presence

and the comfort you offer us 

every moment of our lives.

You are with us in times of joy and sorrow;

a constant faithful presence

that reminds us that we are not alone.

We give thanks that you gently but persistently

guide our steps as we walk together

 on this journey of faith.

You give us courage to proclaim your love

in our actions as well as our words

that we may be guided in your way of peace.

We gather, and serve, in the name of Christ,

the herald of hope and Prince of Peace.

Amen

This week, as I have been pondering the scripture readings for the second Sunday of Advent, many thoughts and themes have occurred to me. I have sought God’s comfort in the midst of grieving the death of a dear friend; I have recognized God’s messengers in kind actions and words of encouragement; I have witnessed the Good News of Christ’s presence in the Body of Christ gathered in worship and remembrance; and I have heard the words of prophets, poets and teachers which have inspired and illuminated my journey of faith. Continue reading Reflection: December 4

Let us begin this time of reflection with a prayer by George Appleton:

O God of many names

Lover of all nations,

we pray for peace

in our hearts,

in our homes, 

in our nations,

in our world. 

For the peace you willed, we pray.

Amen

(Voices United 693)

There were two neighbours, Joe and Sam, who lived side by side in the country. They’d been friends their whole lives and had grown old together. And, now that their children were grown and had moved away and their spouses had died all they had left were their farms and each other. Continue reading Reflection: Nov 6

There is a tale, which is said to have come from the Middle Ages:

The Pope, under pressure from his Cardinals, decided that all the members of the Jewish community had to leave Rome. As you would expect, there was a huge uproar from the Jewish community. The Pope suggested that he would have a religious debate with a member of that community. If that person won the debate,  the Jewish community could stay, but if the Pope won the debate, they would have to leave. 

The members realized they had no choice so their elders chose a respected Rabbi to represent them. The Rabbi was rather flamboyant in his expression, so they asked for one addition to the rules of debate. To make it more interesting, and safer, neither side would be allowed to talk. The Pope agreed.

The day of the great debate came. The Rabbi and the Pope stood opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. The Rabbi looked back at him and raised one finger.

The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. The Rabbi energetically pointed to the ground.

The Pope pulled out a loaf of bread and a glass of wine and he broke the bread and ate, then sipped the wine. 

The Rabbi pulled out an apple and took a bite from it.

The Pope then stood up and said, “I give up. This man is too good. The Jewish community can stay in Rome as long as they want.”

An hour later, the cardinals surrounded the Pope asking him what had happened.

The Pope said, “First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my fingers around me to show him that God is all around us and is the ultimate authority over the church. He responded by pointing to the ground and reminding me that God may be all around, but God is also right here with us and is God of the Jews as well as of the church. I broke bread and drank wine to show that God loves us and forgives our transgressions. The Rabbi ate of the apple to remind me of original sin and how it still affects us. He had an answer for everything. What could I do?”

Meanwhile, the Jewish community had gathered around the Rabbi. 

“What happened?”, they asked.

“Well”, said the Rabbi, “First he said to me that the Jews had three days to get out of town. I told him that not one of us was leaving. Then he told me that this whole city would be cleared of Jews. I let him know that we were staying right here.”

“And then?” asked a woman.

“I don’t know”, said the Rabbi, “He took out his lunch and I took out mine – and now we can stay as long as we want.”  

Ah, the complexity of communication and the interpretation of actions!

Today’s lesson from the Gospel of Matthew recalls an encounter between a representative of the Pharisees and Jesus. Continue reading Reflection: October 23