Inspired by John 14: 15-21

Tuesday this past week your “Affirm Group” showed the movie “The Bible Tells Me So.” I thought it was excellent. Yet it was also disturbing. It was excellent, as it provided a very clear analysis of what scripture really says about homosexuality. It was disturbing in its revelation of just how much damage has been inflicted upon LGBTQ2S+ individuals through many years. 

In the taking of scripture literally and relying on preachers who have been held up as infallible; kind, generous, talented, spirit filled people have been shunned, ostracised, ridiculed, beaten, and severely traumatized. Many of the stories are heartbreaking, especially those where parents have completely disowned children who have “come out” as gay. I just can’t fathom rejecting one of my own children for any reason. But that can be the power and influence of scripture when manipulated and taken out of context. It happens when evangelists spread fear among their trusted congregants.

The promise of the Holy Spirit John writes about in today’s Gospel reading is, I think, one of those scripture lessons that thankfully presents an “iron clad” image of Jesus in the world. There might be room to interpret how exactly he is present, but there is little doubt of his “spirit” presence. John’s message can’t be easily manipulated to say something it is not meant to say. That’s why I chose it for today. 

When Jesus leaves his disciples physically, God will have another advocate in his place to be with them always. That advocate is the spirit of truth. 

That spirit of truth will be known to those that follow in Jesus’ footsteps. It will abide in them, encourage them, transform their living, even when he is gone. This is John’s reference to Jesus’ death, resurrection and final ascension 18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.” 

The advocate, the truth-teller, the spirit of love, generosity and kindness will not digress from Jesus’ teachings. For those who believe in him, there exists a steadfast conviction; justice and equality must be upheld. Abuse of authority, rejection because of social standing, race, colour, ethnicity, opinion or anything else is not the way of Jesus. 

The spirit of truth resides in the hearts of those who have a relationship with the Advocate. It’s not there otherwise. That is what John advises us in this mornings Gospel. It is a simple message, a straightforward message. It is a very powerful and profound message.

How someone, even a seasoned pastor, could manipulate that would be difficult. What would you say if someone advised you, “You can only experience the “spirit of truth,’ if you deny someone’s rights to freedom.” Such a statement would be rather absurd. If you were told, “The advocate, Jesus present in our times, will only be seen if you believe as I do that a man is the head of the household.” Would you not find that equally outrageous. And if you were told “You have no chance of being one of Jesus’ modern-day disciples, if you think it is OK for one man to lay down with another,” would you find that equally outrageous and equally irrational? I hope you would. 

That kind of thinking defies the nature of Jesus and all his teachings of kindness, generosity, justice, and forgiveness. And it defies the commandments he asked us to keep, John 14: 15 “If you love me, you will keep[a] my commandments. 

Those Commandments: “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). He also taught the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12) 

To the fear mongering and nonsensical biblical interpretations around John’s message I might say, “Excuse me, I think I can see Jesus, and his advocate the truth teller very clearly.” He’s telling me to live a life based on his teachings of generosity. He’s asking me to respect my neighbour even if we are very different. He’s asked me to turn the other cheek when that motorcyclist blew past me the other day scaring me half to death. And he asks me to trust, trust that living in harmony and being an advocate myself, is being in right-relations with God.

It could be said that this is an old message. In fact it is. It is about 2100 years old give or take if scholars are correct that John rote in the later decade of the first Century CE. Having said that, I can’t imagine the interpretation has changed much with time. That might me an interesting segue, but I didn’t go down that road. 

While a lot of scripture can be stretched and interpreted in a myriad of ways, I would be surprised if this one could. It is a corner stone of our Christian Ministry. Christ left behind an advocate. The advocate of the spirit of truth. The advocate that asks us to uphold Jesus’s commandments of his ministry on earth. There is little “wiggle room” within those commandments. The question is how do we fulfill them today. 

Yesterday I had another zoom meeting with an individual I have been calling my “young apprentice.” We are having great discussions on confirmation. With Jesus’ ministry in mind, I had several questions. I asked, “Do you see Jesus in the world today?” “Is he alive?” “Is he teaching?” “Is he healing?” “Where is he?” Difficult questions for an adolescent. 

So, let me share with you some of my answers. 

Do I see Jesus in the world today? Absolutely. He is working over at the Food Bank and beneath us at the Bargain Bin. He is pouring coffee at the wellness center and driving people into Kelowna for appointments. He is visiting shut-ins and friends in hospital. He is among gay, lesbian, trans and two-spirited people who need to be loved like anyone else.

Is He Alive? Yabetcha. He must be because he is sitting next to you (but don’t freak out about that OK).

Is he teaching? I believe absolutely. He taught me something yesterday as I endeavored to wrap my head around John’s gospel. He taught me last week to be patient with my 10-year-old granddaughter when she was clinging to me like glue and I was dog tired.

Is he healing? An affirmative reply again. Healing the broken soul through our kindness and generosity. Healing those needing a spiritual lift as we worship together. 

Where is he? He is in the advocate, the spirit of truth, the love in community, the heart that beats within this Community of Faith. 

How would you reply to these questions? The “Spirit of Truth,” Jesus’ truth, resides in all of us. You know because it abides in you and always will. This is fundamental to our Christian Ministry and not open to discussion. This truth cannot be manipulated, and we cannot be coerced into believing otherwise.

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen

A few days back I was walking Duffy down to the dog beach. Outside the Blind Angler Grill a woman was getting out of her car with her dog. He was a beautiful inquisitive friendly golden-doodle cross. His owner and I chatted for a few minutes and then I began to walk toward the beach. The owner asked if her dog could come with me. “Of course, I said.” She told me he would be fine without her, as she needed to put on her shoes before joining us. Off we went, Duffy on his lead and the other pooch walking along with us.

It is a bit of a walk from the Blind Angler to the Dog Beach, perhaps 500 m. I looked back and could not see the woman coming. But we kept on, nonetheless. When we arrived, I still saw no sign of the woman and became somewhat uneasy. Did she know where we were? Did I perhaps now have two dogs instead of just one? 

Well, there was nothing to do but go in and let the dogs do their thing. Duffy was immediately in the water. Fido or whatever his name was, was not far behind. I kept wondering and looking for the woman, but no one appeared to be coming to the beach.

I expect it must have been at least 10 minutes before I heard a whistle. Fido ran up to the fence, but he couldn’t get out as the gate was closed. I wondered. The owner? Fido came back to me and then I heard it again, Up the dog goes once more to the fence looking excitedly down the road. Then I saw the woman. And Fido saw her. Tail wagging enthusiastically, I opened the gate and he was off like a shot, happy to be reunited with his owner. I was duly impressed. What great recall. 

Analogous to the sheepherder in today’s gospel reading, a gatekeeper for his own sheep, Jesus is depicted as a gatekeeper too. “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” 

A gate to where we might ask? John says it’s a gate into a place where we can have abundant life. I think Jesus calls us there, to a place of refuge, a place of quiet communion with our soulful selves, a place of knowing we are loved regardless of our circumstance. 

This is a place not offering our physical protection like an armed barracks, but one that sets aside space for spiritual nourishment, space for the heart to heal, space for our minds to rest in peace. Thieves and bandits may find ways into the shepherd’s sheepfold, but not the one Jesus guards. They would try to enter by trickery, deceit, through treachery, or dishonestly, but they are denied entrance by the divine gatekeeper.

Those that gain entry are seekers of a path paved with honesty and integrity. The willing servant and the willful healer travel that path too, as are those with hearts filled with love and souls overflowing with empathy. They are accompanied by Jesus, the consoler and the truth-teller. 

And welcomed are the desperate, those in search of justice, societies’ orphans, the weak and the infirm. Cherished are the lost, lonely and searching. They all pass through the gate into the open arms of compassion, the one who calls us, “come, I am the light, and the way. “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” 

Jesus also calls ordinary folk, people like you and I. Yes, Jesus calls us too. We are called to come into the fold and “have life abundantly.” The incredible reality of that gift is that it is absolutely free. 

Now I am not sure about you but I’m like that dog that accompanied me to the beach the other day. When I hear that call, I run. Because when I run to answer Jesus’ call, I run into the grasp of the creator herself. 

That is a peaceful place of contentment, a respite from have-to’s, a time out from worry and fretfulness, a place to be hugged by divine love. 

I was in such a place yesterday morning as I lay lounging in bed all snuggled up beneath the covers. It was a warm, cozy, and dreamy time before the alarm would sound and summon me to the day. Jesus was there saying, just stay here for a bit longer. Enjoy the silence of this moment. Protected, comforted, held in a few holy moments, I was in a blissful place.

Do you find yourself in such a place at times? Working in the garden perhaps, with the damp soil sifting through your fingers. The warm sun on your back and neck. Perhaps it is a slalom run down the ski slope with your legs buried up to the knees in fresh powder. Perhaps the solitude of a canoe ride over the glassy surface of an alpine lake. Perhaps it is being engrossed in a good novel in a comfy chair when your eyes flutter and close. A dreaminess envelopes you, a peaceful, calming. Where is your peaceful, contented, blissful place?

Called out of our business and routine. Called away from what we believe to be most important. Called from what is demanded of us. Called to be mindful that time spent with the Holy Presence is nourishment for our thirsty spirits. Called from a place of deep longing.

Called from such times brings us to a heavenly peace-filled and safe place. It is a sheepfold sheltered from the storms of hostility, the agony of loss, the uncertainty of change. 

And Jesus calls us there. Calls us to live life and live it abundantly.

O that we could be like Fido, alert, and attentive to the master’s call. Alert to the voice of the shepherd Jesus on the wind which sings; come my friends, come from your weariness, come in from the cold, lonely and too often broken world you inhabit, come all who are weary and heavy burdened. Come into my sheepfold for in my care you will find rest. Come in anytime. The gate is always open and I will be there to welcome you. 

“Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” 

Jesus calls us. The pasture awaits.

Thanks for listening this morning. Amen 

Among my favourite TV programs are the detective stories. Not so much the ones with a lot of violence, but those that have the intricate plots which make it difficult for the viewer to figure out whodunnit. I enjoy following along with the agents, discovering clues, gleaning some important snippet through an interview, coming upon some important secret. 

The courtroom scenes are entertaining. Some are captivating as evidence is presented and a cloud of doubt enters the jury’s mind. Guilty or innocent? What do the facts say in this case? Has the defense attorney done enough for an acquittal? Has the prosecution presented enough damning evidence against the accused? Conclusions are generally drawn on facts, but in many cases, interpretations and assumptions are made. 

Sometimes I figure things out before they are revealed. More often than not, I’m wrong. You understand the scenarios, I’m sure. At the end of the show we often exclaim, “well I didn’t see that coming.”

In his commentary on today’s gospel reading, Clayton Schmit says “The Gospel of John is the story of Jesus written for the courtroom.”[1]That piqued my interest. 

Jesus was presented to Pilot in his “court.” Pilot would throw the case out right off the bat but is pressured by the Jews to deal with Jesus. Pilot; Solicitor, Judge, Jury and Executioner all wrapped into one, can find no fault with Jesus. We recall the infamous words, “I find no case against him.” (John 18:38). Regardless of the facts, a cruel, dishonest and incomprehensible miscarriage of justice prevails, Jesus is convicted of non-existent crimes. Facts are ignored in this “Kangaroo Court.” A guilty verdict and court is adjourned, as Pilot’s own fear has led him to corruption.

Court resumes again a few days later. A resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples behind locked doors. They are amazed to see him and rejoice in his presence. Jesus shows them his wounded hands and side so that they might believe. The disciple Thomas is absent. He is told of the account. The testimony from the eyewitnesses is clear, we saw Jesus. 

But eye witness testimony is apparently not enough for Thomas, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Thomas, who in this case acts the part of the jury, ignores the testimony. He only believes when he sees Jesus himself and is invited to touch Jesus’ wounds. 

In our day eye-witness accounts are pretty valuable. “I saw the man in the white BMW turn left up the one-way street. He ran head long into that red van.” “I clearly saw the defendant running out of the pharmacy carrying a gun. He ran down the alley at the back of the store.” Lawyers I expect would say that is exactly what they need, a good eyewitness. And kudos if that individual is virtuous, honest and believable. 

In John’s account today the witnesses are beyond reproach. They are the very same disciples Thomas has been associated with. Why would they lie to him? 

The conundrum is that the story itself is so far fetched that it is beyond Thomas’ comprehension. And I imagine it is beyond ours as well. When I think of an account like this one, I can’t help but think of an eye-witness account of an alien landing. “I saw the spaceship. It was saucer shaped and glowing in gold light. It landed in the field right over there. It stayed for only 3 or 4 minutes then it took off again and vanished from sight.” “Sure, sure,” we all say. Better send that induvial for a mental health wellness check. The police investigation file is discarded in the round bin. This case is thrown out of court. 

Jesus said to Thomas after their personal encounter, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

One of my “go-to” Christmas movies is “The Santa Claus.” You’ll know it by the main actor Tim Allen. Tim is divorced and his son is having a discussion with his step dad about the existence of Santa. The step dad says, “its just not possible Santa could fly all around the world in one night.” The step son replies, “Have you ever seen a million dollars?” The response is No. Well says the young lad, “just because you have never seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” 

Just because you are unaware of Jesus’ presence doesn’t mean he is not alive and walking with us in our daily lives. Further, I would venture to say that you have seen and witnessed Jesus, you might just have not recognized him. But we have all seen the evidence. 

Respectfully your honour, we could say to the convened court, we cannot possibly put before you the physical robe clad man Jesus. We cannot produce a body that you and the jury can examine for healed wounds. But we have irrefutable evidence of his presence. 

In fact, your honour, we have over 2,000 years of evidence. The healing stories of Jesus have been written down and the miracles they tell have been proven. Haven’t men previously blinded by greed been reformed? Has not the bandit confessed and sought forgiveness? Can you not say that swindlers and embezzlers have seen and admitted the evil of their ways, and committed to restitution for their transgressions? How many of the addicted have come before you and prayed for rehabilitation? Your honour and members of the jury, that is the transforming love of Jesus at work. The Rightful Verdict is that Jesus lives. 

We all know that I expect. An accompanying, encouraging and transforming Jesus leaps from the tomb and dances joy into our hearts. The risen Christ is palpable in respect, generosity and kindness shared. We know it to be true. Our call is to live it every day. 

Contributor Clayton Schmit, mentioned earlier in my reflection today, concludes his remarks on today’s gospel reading by saying, “When preachers proclaim the good news, the persuasive power of the Spirit sweeps through the jury box and wins a verdict that evidence cannot prove. He is risen indeed!”[2]

As I have been known to do from time to time, I’d like to offer a paraphrase. “When we, as a Community of Faith, live in the spirit of the carpenter from Galilee, the world cannot deny that Jesus lives, and his love continues to do miracles. That is the rightful verdict. 

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen 

[1]Clayton J. Schmidt, Feasting on The Word, Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year A. Volume 2, Lent Through Eastertide, David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, Editors, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky, 2010, p. 395

[2] Ibid., p. 399

  Inspired by Matthew 28:1-10

I’ve mentioned before that I did some work for the Pacific Mountain Regional Council Candidacy Board for several years. That was extremely fulfilling work, given our purpose was to interview and approve potential candidates for ministry in the United Church. The process begins with an interview for “Promise.” 

This “first hurdle” examines the candidate’s ability to articulate their “call to ministry.” We want to know something about their spiritual journey. Who and/or what is God to them? How do they see Jesus in the world? We want them to tell us a little about their journey in life. We ask, why do you want to be in paid accountable ministry? How have you discerned your call? What sort of gifts do you think you have for ministry? How do you know this is the right path for you at this time in your life? We ask them to give us a sense of their spiritual path. 

These conversations are usually very rich, as we learn about this new potential church leader. 

Before us is a whole egg, waiting to be hatched. We are trying to find out just what is going to burst forth from this incredible embryo. What future promise lies temporarily dormant?

Easter is an embryotic promise story. Christ’s resurrection points us to much more than his personal return to the sides of his disciples and friends. 

We know that time was limited. He would soon ascend into heaven to be with God. What he left behind is the real miracle event. 

I think there are two pieces of that miracle. The first, that whether through human flesh or otherwise, Christ’s love for us would never be diminished. 

The second, planted in each and every one of us, is a DNA strand that has Christ-Like potential. It is part of a Christ-Embryo. Jesus wants it to burst out into the world so that his life-giving ministry can continue, and God’s love will forever be proclaimed.

That’s the miracle I’m thinking about this morning. Fully formed, inside each and every one of us exists the essence of Christ. It is waiting to break out of its shell. It has the potential to change the world. Jesus sees that promise in all of us. 

The first step in fulfilling that promise is the brave “breaking out” stage. You risk being seen. You risk being identified as someone who might care, someone who might be inclined to be a helper. You begin to realize you are comfortable with this. There is a certain satisfaction about giving that fulfills you. Perhaps you wonder, this might be what discipleship is going to be like. And you are inclined to think, “doing for others makes me feel good.”

Cracked open you begin to understand that the world is a complex place. There is more need for compassion around you than you could have imagined. It is cruel out there. Sometimes you have a sense you would just like to go back into your shell and pretend things are not so bad. You wish that it wasn’t so hard to change things and there wasn’t so much cruelty. But you feel a need, a call. The Jesus DNA is waking up inside you. 

You learn much more as you mature. Everywhere you turn there seems to be violence, injustice, prejudice, mistrust and hatred. The essence of Christ within you is angry and it laments. You have been fully hatched into a cold reality; the world is not a happy or safe place. The Christ now fully formed within you, becomes more determined, even tenacious. You are going to at least try to make a difference. You become more comfortable being in the spotlight. You share your emotions more openly. You feel a deeper sense of commitment to peace and justice. 

Yes you are ready, ready for your true discipleship. Call me into ministry. Call me to serve as best I can. Call me to speak out against prejudice and greed. Call me to hold the poor, falsely imprisioned and desperate in my prayers. Call me to spread Christ’s love abundantly and continue to do that, even when my message falls on deaf ears. Call me to wave the flag of righteousness and right-relations in the faces of those who wish not to see. You are reaching your full potential. 

That promise Jesus saw is filling the cracks and voids of pain and suffering with its own unique miracle work. You have become part of the ressurection story. Through your actions of grace, seeds of hope are planted where there was barren ground. The tears of the weeping have been dried. Community spirit has been enlivened. Your kindness and generosity have supplanted lonliness and despair. 

This Easter Sunday I’m filled with great joy. That might seem exceedingly strange given the environment we are in (and the fact that my car just died). But I am seriously very joyful. Not just because the spring weather is bringing with in that incredible sunshine we adore and the warmer weather along with it. Not just because birdsong is filling the air and those little quail chicks are running acorss the back lawn. Not just because its BBQ season and time to take Duffy to the lake once again. Joy because I know that you are all candidates for ministry in our time. In fact you are way past the entry point of the candidacy process. The “Christ-Embryo” in you all hatched some time ago. You are now mature disciples spreading your healing love in this community and elsewhere. 

In his resurrection Jesus gave a great promise to all of us. From the Gospel of  Matthew 28:20) “remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

After a horrible betrayal, brutal torture and his final execution Jesus returns. In his return, the promise, “I am with you, I will always be with you.” It is a comforting hopeful message. Within that promise also came a request. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit,”

Today that ask is lived out through resurrection people like yourselves. A people who care deeply for one another and stand in solidarity with those who are not being heard. It is lived out in the little acts of humility that weave together a tapestry of a compassionate community of faith, whose members have burst from their shells in Christ’s likeness. It is lived out in the spirit of disciples who collectively breathe hope into our troubled world. That is living the promise of resurrection.

Happy Easter and thanks for listening this morning. Amen accessed March 28, 2026

It’s always a delight for me to be in conversation about some of the big questions, questions like who is God to you and how do you see Jesus in the world today? My delight is that I have opportunities to take away new perspectives or experience some affirmation of what I now believe to be truth. That was my experience yesterday when I linked up with a young man who would like to do his confirmation this summer here in Peachland. I keep his name anonymous because I don’t have his permission to share it. Hereafter he will be known as “My Young Apprentice.” That conversation prompted me to do some reflection. 

God, I said, can’t be contained in a box. Some would like us to define God that way saying God is this or God is that, or that God acts in this way or that way. But to define God specifically I suggested, limits the potential of God’s goodness in the world. I commented to “My Young Apprentice” that I have a number of visions of God (and incidentally the United Church encourages this I said). I told him (and I would tell anyone) that I see God as the pronouns he, she and they. I see God as Holy Love and Holy Presence (the spirit of generosity and kindness). I visualize God as healer, compassionate one, and forgiver. I see God as one who created the universe and recreates it to this day. In crisis, discouragement and grief, I see God as accompanier, assurer and comforter. My vision is broad. But I said, never do I see God as cruel, as a source of punishment, as retributive. 

My words would not be at all familiar to those experiencing the world in the days of the Psalmists. But I am inclined to think that they thought of God in multiple ways as well. Certainly, they envisioned God as benevolent, generous, nurturing and saving. 

Today’s Psalm is composed during a festival of some kind, a celebration where the congregation gathered in the temple. 

27 The Lord is God,
 and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
 up to the horns of the altar.[c]

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
 you are my God; I will extol you.

29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
 for his steadfast love endures forever.

For he is good, his steadfast love endures forever. “This is the day that the Lord has made” they sang, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 

The praise that rang out must have made the attendees joyful and filled them with hope. I don’t know about you, but it lifted me this morning when we sang it, this is the day that Holy love; grace, generosity, empathy, compassion and forgiveness raise their voices. 

That same feeling, perhaps euphoric, was present that fateful day Jesus rode into Jerusalem. It was Passover, the time of the great annual festival celebrating the release of the Jews from Egyptian slavery. Coming into the city rides Jesus, the one the people have been hearing about. Is it true that he is here to redeem us, to take us out of our present slavery, to free us? Hosanna, they cry, Hosanna, save us Jesus. They were happy to see Jesus and in a celebratory mood. Happy because the savoir had arrived, the one who would free them from bondage and lead them into a new world. 

This is the day; this is the day that the Lord has made! If they had known the Psalm, they would likely have sung it. 

Is this the day, March 29, 2026? Is this the day where we can begin anew just like those daffodils breaking through the earth? Can we break into hope as did those gathered to greet Jesus? Can we break through the harsh reality of egoism, fearmongering, selfishness and apathy that pervades our days? Hosanna Jesus, save us too. Save us from corruption, abuse of authority and arrogance. Free us from this bondage. 

Can Jesus do that? 

My young apprentice got me thinking about that yesterday. Are we doomed to failure? Will our societies eventually crumble into dust? 

I think that depends on the answer to the second question I raised in the first part of my reflection. “How do you see Jesus in the world today?”

I see only two ways to answer that question. 

The first, you don’t see Jesus in the world at all. Perhaps you are so disenchanted you can’t believe it possible. Perhaps you are beyond believing in hopeful change. Perhaps, and with good reason, you are cynical about the entire “Jesus” message. That’s option one.

Option two, you see as I did when meeting with my young apprentice, that Jesus is in the world now, every day, and in many ways. 

We saw Jesus amidst the rubble of abandoned homes in Gaza, Ukraine and Iran, determined to find safety for those who have lost everything they owned. We saw Jesus on the back of a trailer truck handing out bottles of water and shuffling bags of rice out to starving refugees. We saw Jesus in makeshift medical shelters under tarps with back up generators and a lack of medical supplies.

We talked about Jesus clearing the neighbour’s path after a snow fall or helping an elder taking the garbage out or in doing some housework. 

The other day I saw Jesus freeing a Humpback whale from fishing nets in the Baltic. 

I just read about Jesus in the news as “Activists and members of the transgender community take part in a demonstration against proposed amendments to India's Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill.”[1] 

Jesus is with the residents of Tumbler Ridge who are still in shock after the devastating loss of life in the school shooting. And he will be there as long as they need him.

Jesus is in the small acts of kindness we offer, the generosity given to neighbour friend or stranger. Jesus is in our prayers for comfort and healing.

I think Jesus is at the city gates waiting for us now. I pray that is the way we can all envision Jesus today as we wave our Palm branches. 

Welcome Jesus, This is The Day. This is the Day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Thanks for listening today, Amen

[1] 'We will be fighting': Indian transgender activist says as new bill strips right to self-identify | CBC Radio, accessed March 28, 2026, accessed 

Inspired by John 9:1-12, 18-41

Over the years the English language is continually bombarded with what many would say, “affronts to good literary form.” I know it used to drive my dad bonkers when one of us would come home with a new word or phrase. Hey that’s mint was one I can remember. “Mint?” Dad would retort, “what the heck does that mean?” I would respond, “it means cool or fab.” And dad would say, “fab?”

My dad was of that generation who was serious about vocabulary. Words were words, they should be kept unspoiled, don’t mess with them! The English language was sophisticated. It was art! 

Thankfully my dad missed the generation of “As If,” the slang expression for, “you have to be joking, no way, that’s not possible.” “As if,” your son says when you enquire whether he intends to study for his physics exam. “As if,” your daughter replies when you ask her if she plans to be back by 11PM with the car. As if, you have to be joking.

Poor dad would have had an anaphylactic shock if he knew that xerox and google were now actual words in Webster’s dictionary (not that he would have a clue what google was). And the latest response by many when they receive a compliment, “no worries.” Where did that originate? Everyone says it now. “Thanks for lunch Joe, it was good.” “No worries,” replies Joe. “Thanks for letting us know you got home safely,” I tell my daughter Lisa. “No worries, Dad” she says. 

Expressions change with the times. It seems to be normal. How many others I wonder do you remember? Well, I would like to offer up a new one this morning, “It’s Miracle Salve Man.” That would be a great response to those that would question the impossible transformation through love in action. “It’s Miracle Salve Man.”

That’s what Jesus offered the blind man he encountered in the Jerusalem street. Jesus gave him the light of the world. He opened the man’s eyes to possibility, opened them to hope. He told the man he was not a sinner, someone who should be shunned. As he placed mud on the man’s eyes, Jesus gave him Miracle Salve, assurance that he was cherished, important, valued. What a gift!

How is it that blindness can be reversed the Jews wondered incredulously? Surely this is impossible? This man, and his parents too, sinned against God. Why else would he be blind? 

Well, you are missing the point says Jesus. “I came into this world so that those who do not see may see.” I came in peace and with a generous heart to be a witness to God’s love. I came to spread “Miracle Salve,” the gift of transformation for those that are open to it. Everyone who is open to the spirit’s presence will receive generosity and be held in compassion. Everyone who understands we are all one in this realm, we are all equal, we are all children of the creator will see.

Those who desire wealth and positions of authority, those who belittle the lame and weak, those who cast shame on the poor and disparage the sick will remain blind. They do not see the truth of God’s wisdom. They will not be bathed in God’s love. That is because they have not yet opened their eyes to God’s radiant light. 

And open their eyes some will not. It seems as if super-strong permanent glue has been applied to the underside of their eyelids. One wonders if even Miracle Salve can open them. 

“I have the right to do anything I wanna do. I’m the President of the United States,” says Mr. you know who. [1] From president Netanyahu, “We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us,”[2] In the Ukraine, Russian president Putin is apparently interested in moving peace talks forward, if the Ukraine gives up much of its territory Russia now occupies and if it agrees to reduce the size of its military and abandon its hopes of joining NATO.[3]

What exists beyond our outrage at the bullying, coercion and military threats, the heartbreaking news of more deaths and displacements, the seemingly unending tragedy and chaos? Is the prospect of reconciliation and peace among adversaries a foolish dream?

Jesus didn’t think so and I don’t believe he was foolish. Perhaps on his human side somewhat naïve, but that was not a deterrent. He didn’t just apply his Miracle Salve to the blind man, he offered it to the outcast, the unwanted, the despised. He offered it to everyone and anyone. He raised new promise from the ashes of oppression. 

In todays Gospel reading Jesus said, “I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see.” He says a similar thing in the 4th Chapter of the Gospel of Luke. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free those who are oppressed,

In his messaging Jesus intended to bring hope into a broken world. He did that with patience, peace, understanding, empathy, and forgiveness. And in his ministry, he healed through his unconditional love. We have the same opportunity through what I have been calling “miracle salve.”

A traveller and his dog were clearly needy. I saw them in the IGA parking lot the other day. The man had a hand out for change and I gave him what I had on me, a meager $5. He beamed back at me, Thank- You with a warm smile. I forgot what else I heard but he was indeed grateful. I could have responded, no worries, “Its Miracle Salve Man.”

The next person to come into the Bargain Bin and ask for some free warm clothing will be graciously asked to take what they need. I expect they will be grateful when they leave. Perhaps we should ask the BB executive to institute a new salutation, no worries, “Its Miracle Salve Man.”

A few minutes from now in our Mission Stories time Louise is going to be speaking to you about P.I.E. Day. I won’t steal her thunder now, so I will say only that PIE Day is about recognizing the importance of inclusivity in our church. Specifically, PIE Day is about doing something explicit to recognize our welcoming of LGBTQ2+ individuals in our COF. Miracle Salve does that, removing any blinders we may have to being an affirming people of God, and opening our eyes to diversity. 

“It’s Miracle Salve Man,” the tenacity of Jesus’ to keep knocking on locked doors. His unwavering commitment, not just to preach good news to the poor, but to preach justice and right relations to the stubborn, corrupt and ego driven. His relentless will to affect change where change seems impossible. 

Jesus left us with a challenge. Spread my Miracle Salve wherever you can. That is how justice comes into a hurting world. That is kin-dom living.

By the way, I happen to think with time, Jesus’ Miracle Salve can dissolve even the most stubborn adhesive from the eyelids of those that would scoff at our efforts.

Because It’s Miracle Salve Man!

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen 

[1] Trump Declares, ‘I Have the Right To Do Anything I Want’, accessed March 14, 2026

[2] Israel’s Netanyahu says ‘there will be no Palestinian state’ | Israel-Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera, accessed March 14, 2026

[3] Putin backs US plan for ending Ukraine war as Trump gives Kyiv deadline to accept - BBC News, accessed March 14, 2026  

“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. 

A juicy little metaphor, a kind of a teaser and an invitation. An invitation into what I might call a “Deep Dive.” 

But sir, the Samaritan woman asks, you speak of water that can give eternal life. What is that? I’m interested in this “living water.” “Show it to me.” I don’t want to be thirsty again stuck in the same situation I am now with no prospects. I don’t want to come back to this well time after time just so I can survive. Are you saying there is something else? What is this eternal life you speak of?

Follow me and I will show you the promise that God has made. I will show you the path to enlightenment, the path that leads us forth into kind and caring relationships. I will show you that reconciliation among enemies is possible. And I will show you that you are loved regardless of your standing or your situation. I will show you inner peace.

The time is coming says Jesus when, in accepting God as spirit and truth, you will be followers. God seeks such followers to journey with me, speaking of justice, peace and right-relations. God asks you to walk with me on a path of healing through unconditional love. That is “living water,” water flowing from our hands, feet and hearts to quench the thirst of the needy. Through your actions of generosity, others may be fed and hope restored. 

The Samaritan Woman is a social outcast, out of place from Jesus and his community. She is a relative nobody and is not even named. She is an unfulfilled soul, someone struggling with her value and worth. Perhaps she may even have doubt in her God. 

I see her journey as a deep dive. 

I recall a much younger man who, rather arrogantly, denied the spirit of God. He said it was just myth. His ears were closed to the master’s love song. His eyes shut off from the beauty of creation. His heart was unaware of the healing power of the Holy Presence during grief. 

At first a toe tested the water. He sat in a chair during a church worship service. There were no sharks. The minister spoke about generosity and social justice. He was curious.

He waded in up to his waist and opened a book called the bible. It didn’t bite as he thought it might. It was filled with strange names and odd places. He allowed his curiosity to wander, and it was answered with parable, which spoke to him about kindness, forgiveness, light and love.

He went deeper, up to his chest and he couldn’t believe he floated. He floated with a lifejacket of possibility. Could it be he wondered that Jesus was right. When neighbour greets neighbour, hands do not need to be clenched into fists, and caustic accusatory words are not the first things to be uttered. Possibly there is opportunity for reconciliation, for building up, not breaking down.

Before he knew it, he was up to his neck and the seas became rough. Criticisms, accusations, bullying, even betrayal. This was surely enough to overwhelm his seaworthiness and cast him adrift. Bur somehow, miraculously, he found a different kind of lifejacket. The creator was there and offered him a small boat. She said, you have to row, and row hard. But you will make it. I will be waiting at the shore for you. He did and she was. 

After that he dove in, headfirst and he started a deep dive. That dive took him to places he never could have imagined. It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes he has had to hold his breath for a long while. Other times his oxygen tank has been on empty. But someway, somehow, he managed to keep on swimming. Along the way Jesus has been his lifeguard saying, yes keep going, you are needed, you are one of my disciples. 

And God, well God of course has been there as a companion. Holy Compassion has been there listening to his woes and giving him pep talks. Holy Love has been there nurturing, guiding, reassuring. And as he competed the deep dive, he received a great gift. I’ll tell you about that in a minute. 

Like many of us today, bombarded by negativity, we are more inclined to exist in survival mode than in a hopeful place. Either that or we are jaded by our perceptions that nothing is ever going to change. I expect we all can imagine what kind of response Jesus would get if he offered the gift of living water to us in such circumstances. 

What does this living water really have to offer us? That is what the Samaritan woman wondered too. 

Jesus had travelled a long way through Samaria. He was parched and so he sat down at the well. He needed a drink of life-sustaining water. It is something the Samaritan woman could give him. Our gospel story doesn’t confirm it, but I can’t imagine he left thirsty. Unexpectedly the woman also received a nourishing drink, one that could have changed her life if she accepted it. It was there if she choose to take a deep dive, accepting Jesus in her life.

We are fortunate enough to be beneficiaries of both thirst-quenching life sustaining water and living water as well. We nourish one another with kindness, generosity, and love in our ministry together. And we receive the living water of Christ when we make the deep dive into the Creator’s arms. It is a journey, and it’s a miracle. 

I mentioned that there is a great gift in that journey, that deep dive into the spirit. I know because I found it. At the bottom of your dive, you will find an oyster. Inside is the brightest pearl you have ever seen. It’s Eternal Life!

Take the dive! 

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen 

It has been a remarkably sad week in British Columbia. The events that unfolded with the shooting deaths in Tumbler Ridge, has torn apart a quiet town in the north-eastern part of the province. Families have been devastated, residents numbed with the shock of an unthinkable tragedy. Seven young lives and one adult perished. Two more young people fight for their lives in hospital beds. Fraught with too many demons, the shooter herself took her own life. There were a reported twenty-five others injured. 

There is no possible way of making any sense of this horrific, heartbreaking event. There are no words one can say that can possibly soften the grief or relieve the pain. Condolences and hugs help, but the pain is unbearable. Will the affected families ever recover from this terrible tragedy? Will the community of Tumbler Ridge ever heal?

For those gathered in Sunday Worship like we are, surely the question, “God where are you in all this,” is being raised. “How can God let this happen will be words shared among many.” I wondered if the transfiguration of Jesus in today’s Gospel account could give us any perspective. 

If I recall correctly, the first time I spoke about Jesus’ transfiguration experience was to children in story time. How am I going to make sense out of this event for young folks I wondered? Well, I had one of those transformer toys with me. I think it was a car. As we sat together at the front of the sanctuary, I changed the car into a robotic figure and then back again. Jesus’ appearance changed I said. There were several quizzical looks. (I wonder now if, after the service, several kids told their moms and dads that Jesus was a robot). I don’t think I really explained the story very well then.

The next time I told the story I thought of something else. I had one youth at worship that day. I had rigged up a floodlight near one of the pews in the front. I said, I wonder what it must have been like for Jesus being in such a powerful light. I asked her to step up on the pew and I turned on the floodlight. The young girl stood there with the biggest smile on her face, which was glowing from the flood lamp. She just stood there and didn’t say anything. We were all amazed, and that was the sermon in a nutshell. She was showing us what it would be like to be bathed in Holy Light. It was beautiful and inspiring.

I imagine I have made reference to one of my favourite Christmas Stories in a worship reflection before, but I can’t help repeating it, because it makes me think about Jesus’ transfiguration. I see the Grinch with his green grinchy feet in the snow feeling absolutely retched because he couldn’t stop Christmas from coming. Suddenly the heavens open up and the bright sun comes out. He is zapped with an incredible bolt of light, and he falls down. What is happening to me he asks? “I’m all toasty inside and I’m leaking,” says the Grinch, as he sheds tears of joy. And his heart, as we know, grew three sizes. His transfiguration led to a great transformation.

Did the hearts of Peter, James and John grow exponentially on that mountain with Jesus? Did they fill with hope for a better world? Did they “see” the messiah in a new light, affirming their faith in discipleship? What did they feel other than fear when God spoke, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[b] with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 

I see the transfiguration event as a reminder of God’s transformative power through Holy Love. For the disciples, a reminder that Holy Wisdom affirms the man Jesus as an emissary for spreading the good news to the world. Peter, James and John, after getting over their fear, fully understand Jesus was indeed the way, the truth and the light. Once they got over their individual trepidation, they were changed, they were transformed. If there had been any doubt about their ministry calling and Jesus’ authenticity, that vanished as quickly as the light bathing the messiah.

Listen to him offers powerfully transformative words. 

Listen to him. Through the power of love, sight can be returned to the blind, it becomes possible for the deaf to hear again and for the lame to walk. The power of love can restore hope. The power of love can even transform death into new life. It seems to me that is what we often pray for. We are praying for it now.

We are praying for love to break down the doors of hopelessness and despair in the community of Tumbler Ridge. We are praying that with time, anger, doubt, fear and pain will be diminished and healing may begin. We pray the agony of grief will some-day become tolerable. The gift of Holy Love can do that.

A number of years ago in my infancy of my faith enquiries I asked my Diaconal Mentor “Where is God when tragedy happens?” It is I expect akin to saying, “How can God allow terrible things to happen?” How is it that wars continue to prevail, that innocent men, women and children die needlessly every day? How is it that natural disasters make so many suffer? How is it that there are the desperate, so many unfed, unloved or living on the streets? How is it God that there are horrid, unimaginably painful events like the one that just happened in Tumbler Ridge?

My mentor replied to me, “Ian those are the times when God was not present.” 

I have learned that either by design or through chance, tragedy lands and inflicts crushing blows to the human spirit. I have also learned that there is no salve that can be applied to make things better. You all know that as well. And you know that while we want there to be a fix when heartache occurs, one does not exist. This has nothing to do with God. But we might ask, where then does God, the Holy arrive?

The Holy is in Jesus’ mountaintop experience, and it gives me a great deal of hope. From within the blinding light came a voice that said, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[b] with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” Listen to Jesus, for he has much to offer this troubled and fractured world. The disciples heard it. God’s voice, Holy Love.

I hear that voice now, in this place. The Holy One says, “You are my disciples, my beloved, with you I am well pleased.” And within that voice comes a great hope, a hope that we would allow ourselves to be transformed too, changed into believing that death and destruction do not have the last say. Convinced that love, kindness, and generosity offer pathways to healing. Assured in our determination to see that justice prevails. That voice is a transformational one, and we are its agents.

We are its agents, offering transformation through trauma, to healing for those in our Community of Faith and our communities who need assurance that there are compassionate, caring people holding them prayerfully. We are agents of God’s love holding all those affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy in our hearts. We cannot make their pain vanish, but we can walk tenderly with them and hopefully, eventually, and with God’s grace, help healing resolve heartache.

As we pray for the dead, grieving and traumatized at Tumbler Ridge and elsewhere, thank you for being agents of Jesus’ transforming love, that can bring healing into pain and suffering. 

And thank you for listening this morning, Amen 

“We speak God’s wisdom, a hidden mystery, which God decreed before the ages for our glory 8 and which none of the rulers of this age understood, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Valerie shared those words this morning from our Epistle reading.

What is God’s wisdom? Paul suggests it is hidden mystery. Hidden such that none of the rulers of the age understood it. 

How does one describe it, how to we get our fingers on it? How do we begin to understand the vastness of God’s reach, the remarkable Holy Presence that is with us today, here in this place and at the same time appreciate it has been present since the dawn of Creation? How might we experience the joy and contentment that healing can bring from a knowing of Holy Mystery?

What is this hidden mystery that if understood would have saved Jesus from an untimely and horrific death? What kind of wisdom was lacking from those that called out for his crucifixion? What did the Pharisees misunderstand as they gave Jesus up as a scapegoat for their own benefit? What didn’t Judas understand and what did Pilot fail to perceive? 

Let’s do a quick back-cast to Paul’s personal experience. Before his conversion he was a Pharisee, an individual who intensely persecuted the church of a new age and tried to destroy it. He was an extremist in his determination to further Judaism in the tradition of his fathers. Paul, like many others of the elite classes, perceived Jesus as a threat. Even after Jesus’ death Paul continued to persecute the early Christians. 

Acts 9:1-2 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

The miracle of Paul’s transformation occurs on this trip, the infamous Road to Damascus journey.

3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

As we know the narrative, Saul becomes the Apostle Paul and later becomes the founder of many house churches throughout the Aegean. Paul experiences a vision setting him on a completely different path. It is a complete reversal of his being in the world; a 360-degree turn. 

It seems to me that Paul suddenly understood God’s wisdom, that hidden mystery we speak of, which, if he had understood it earlier, may have prompted him to try and prevent Jesus’ death rather than condone it. 

That hidden mystery God birthed in Adam and Eve, made available to Abraham and Moses, was carried in Mary and Elizabeth in their pregnancies. It was the man Jesus. It has existed over the aeons and prevails in many souls this day. 

It can be elusive, but it is also often in plain view. 

It’s elusive when fear breaks into the hearts of immigrants who must run to hide from authorities bent on rounding them up in mass export campaigns. It is elusive when women are dragged from their cars by masked government agents. It is elusive when even children are separated and detained from their parents by immigration authorities. 

It is elusive when presidential decrees send special forces into foreign lands on kidnapping campaigns in the pretence of world security, while all the time intent on engaging in manipulation of local economic stability for their own gain.

It is elusive when families are blackmailed and their security threatened as they cower in hopeful safety indoors, while bullets shatter windows. This mystery stays well hidden when essential food and medical supplies are prevented from reaching the needy, and through the continued military assault on housing and infrastructure, when citizens are already cold, hungry and desperate. 

The “Hidden Mystery” is back in our presence when children are at play on swing sets and paddle through puddles. It is before us when they rest on grandparent’s knees sharing an ice cream. The “Hidden Mystery” comes into focus when our young people can walk safely home from school without parental escort. 

It jumps into focus when warming shelters offer respite from a cold winter’s night, when safe injection sites provide a means for those suffering from addiction, to obtain untainted drugs and prevent deadly overdoses. 

It is known as random acts of kindness. It is recognized as respectful care of the elderly, visitations to the lonely, reasonable pay for a day’s work, equal opportunity for those of all skin colour, ethnic background, language or culture. It is known in the welcome of the stranger, atheist, Jew, Gentile. 

We see it in the displayed colours of LGBTQ2+ flag and Pride Day celebrations. We witness it when we light our Reconciliation Candle each Sunday Morning. We experience it during our Pastoral Prayers.

Of what do we speak? 

We speak of the truth. The truth is the all too often hidden mystery. 

The truth is, that however one wants to frame “Holy Love;” God, Creator, Holy Spirit, Holy One, Holy Three, Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, that presence is ubiquitous in nature, it knows no bounds and is limitless. The truth tells us that the love in Jesus of Nazareth could never be put to death. It was pointless to try. The actions of those that tried only served to affirm the permanency of humility, kindness, gentleness and hope in the world.

Some would like us to keep the truth hidden. Paul was awakened from ignorance and transformed, “I can’t do it he realized. I can’t keep the truth from being told. Jesus is God’s love in the world.” That was true then and it is true now. It is part of every fabric of our being whether we choose to believe it or not. 

The mystery is no longer. It is found in the truth. Holy Love can stay hidden for only so long. Invite it into your life. Celebrate it, bathe in it, live it. Be transformed like Paul.

Thanks for listening this morning. Amen