by Canon Jim House (Introduction and conclusion by Bishop Elmer) Thanksgiving Celebration / Proper 20, 19 September 2021 It’s said that where there’s no testing, there’s no testimony.  Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times, but He never leaves us.   When we go through the valley of the shadow of death, we rise up and…

by Canon Jim House Proper 19, 12 September 2021 The Old Testament reading says, “The Lord has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.”[1]  There are people we know who are weary; God wants us to be able to speak a word…

Proper 18, 5 September 2021 The world has experienced many pandemics.  As Christians, we shouldn’t be surprised, but understand that nothing happens arbitrarily: there’s always a spiritual component.  The religious leaders cried out for Jesus’ crucifixion, unaware of the plan of the evil one and that their actions were orchestrated.  God is calling Christians to pray, and not…

Proper 17, 29 August 2021 As we grow in life, we realise that what produces results – good or bad – is what we do constantly and consistently.  Olympic athletes practice not only when they feel like it, but as a way of life; we should pray not only when we need something, but as a…

Proper 16, 22 August 2021 Joshua 24:1-2, 14-15, John 6:56-69 What is true faith in God?  Is it superstition?  Is it mental assent (believing in God’s existence)?  I may believe God exists, but do I trust and follow Him?  I may believe Jesus Christ is God, but do I trust, follow and have a relationship with Him?  Genuine faith is to…

Proper 15, 15 August 2021 John 6:53-58 Today we’re continuing to tackle John chapter 6, in which Jesus said He is the Bread of Life.[1] We’ll reach the other side Surfing is about navigating the world’s challenging waves – some people are afraid of waves, but surfers travel to find them.  Surfing is standing on…

Proper 14, 8 August 2021 John 6:41-51 When I first came to Europe, I was curious about the many kinds of bread that are available; in France, there are specific ingredients and quantities for baguettes and croissants to be considered authentic.  Sometimes there are competitions; if Jesus had entered a baking competition, would He have…

Proper 13, 1 August 2021 Today’s Gospel is very important, and in some ways might be considered scandalous.  Some of Jesus’ words were very difficult to understand, to the point that some of His disciples didn’t follow Him afterwards. Today we’re reminded of the Eucharist.  The disciples were sad when Jesus said He would leave;…

Saint James, 25 July 2021 Even when you don’t feel or understand it, God is constantly protecting you.  Perhaps you were rushing to the subway and realised you’d forgotten your ticket, so you went back for it and were late for work – and you were upset.  What if an angel hid the ticket because…

Proper 11, 18 July 2021 Today’s readings remind us of our relationship with God and the way He treats us. Psalm 23 was written by King David, who knew what it was to be a shepherd himself. God says He’s our Shepherd and we’re to be His flock. The Bible is full of images such…