As we gather, we recognize that we live, work, pray, and play
in the traditional, unceded lands
of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves
to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building
with our First Nations neighbours.     

Call to Worship:

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
to which he has called us. 

Ephesians 1.17, 18

O, Come.   Let Us Worship.

Gathering

In this time and place
We gather on the ancestral lands of Kwakwake’wakw,
Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish peoples.
From many places and peoples we come to this house in prayer.

In this time and place
We are not alone for we meet in the presence of the living God. 

In this time and place
We are not alone for the Risen Jesus stands in our midst.

In this time and space
We are not alone for the wind of the Spirit moves in and through us.

In this time and in this space
We are not alone for we gather with the whole company of heaven,

In this time and in this space heaven and earth are one. 

O Come. Let Us Worship.

Collect for Today

Author and Giver of all good things, 
graft in our hearts the love of your name, 
increase in us true religion, 
nourish us in all goodness, 
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Proclamation of the Gospel:

Matthew  16. 21-28 

Sermon:  The Ven.  Brian Evans

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of
our hearts be ever acceptable to you, O Lord.  Amen.

" But, Who Am I?" 

Paul and his lists! Paul is well known for giving instructions filled with lists. Today’s reading is no exception.          

Paul is sending this letter in advance of his visit to the church in Rome. In the letter Paul sets out some expectations and some instructions on how the Christian community should look.

What I admire in Paul’s letters is their simple straight forward directions about Christians and life.

Paul’s letters are not filled with theological rhetoric: rather they are about real life. His letter in advance of his visit to the community speaks of the practical implications of life. Paul’s concern is to bring people to living the Gospel of Christ.   

This week in our country, children and scholars will be returning to the classroom.

I read an interesting account of a family dropping their oldest off at college about a six-hour drive away. All the emotions and all the preparations and instructions shared. The emotions of driving off leaving their oldest who is waving confidently.

It reminded me of a picture, somewhere in my collection of photographs, of very lonely looking 20-year-old ‘man’, sitting on the front step of my new home. The picture was taken just a few minutes prior to waving goodbye to my parents as they drove off.

To this day, neither my mother nor myself ever shared with each other of just how we were affected that day.

On the day of my writing this, I was reminded of that day as I looked at the picture of the six-year-old I baptized this summer- heading off to school for the 1st day of grade 1.

Then I came upon this written by a school principal:

Dear Parents:

Classes are almost starting, and I want to ask you for a favor.
Sit down with your sons or daughters for five minutes and explain to them that being very tall, short, chubby, skinny, black, or white is not a reason to make fun of anyone. That there is nothing wrong with wearing the same shoes or sneakers every day. Explain that a used, or broken, backpack carries the same dreams as a cart, or a character. Please teach them not to exclude anyone for “being different”, or not having the same possibilities as they do.

Explain to them that teasing hurts. Explain to them that they go to school to learn, NOT to compete, NOT to criticize, NOT to humiliate. Explain to them that they and their classmates are worth the same.     

It is then that we read these words from Paul today of what a just and caring society should be:

One where there will be affection, honour, zeal, a healthy spirit.
A society filled with hope, patience, and perseverance in prayer.
A place where we experience the possibilities of life, and hospitality to strangers.

Paul shows this with some suggestions about how we might live in harmony community. A community that rejoices together, cries together, acknowledges the lonely.

Then this: “If it is possible, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”    

Paul leaves us with these words today:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God;
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them;
if they are thirsty, give them something to drink;
for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”

To this point in Paul’s letter, he has explained what God has done for us. And now, it is by these lessons on living life, that will be our commitment to living as a people who have a faith in Christ.

In other words, this is what our response should be in thanksgiving for the gift of God in our lives. Of what an ethical and obedience to God means. Living out our servant ministry.      

In the Gospel today, we have a second attempt by Christ to get the message across to the disciples of just who he is, and what must happen, for the world to know and accept the cross.    

Except, like us, the disciples need to GET IT, first.  

Enter poor Peter once again. 

At times I feel for Peter, it would appear he is the one who always takes the “fall” for his companions. These are strong words, “Get behind me Satan.”    

Jesus turns and says, "If you wish to follow me, you must take up this cross and follow."

Commentators agree, it is at this point the disciples get the message.

They knew what it meant to carry a cross. They knew what it meant to carry your cross, your personal cross.

With Jesus it means total commitment, even to the point of risking death.

There is no turning back:

There is a great gospel hymn by that name: NO TURNING BACK

That gospel hymn is one that we often sang, when I did volunteer ministry at the Correctional Center in Nanaimo.

And to have 30 – 40 young men singing that hymn with great sincerity, and the commitment that, at that moment, they were making, and the enthusiasm that they would share! It would give your spirit such a lift to be part of that!

And so, the mystery of my title for today: But Who Am I?

Jesus would say, I believe, “I am he who gave you the cross of life—the cross which identifies you in the world, and the cross that each one of us carries forever.”

Amen. 

Let Us Pray

Remembering the caring and generous works of God,
we pray for the church, creation, and the needs of our neighbours.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer.

God of life,
your words are the joy at the heart of your church.
Draw the seeker to you, place messages of hope and healing
in the mouths of our witnesses,
and open your children to your truth when we stumble.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer.

God of steadfast love,
renew the earth by your Spirit, 
that lands and oceans reveal the beauty of your creation.
Challenge us to live humbly and peaceably as part of your world.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer.

God of deliverance,
remember all who are suffering, lonely, and in pain.
Liberate your people being insulted, persecuted, or in the grasp of danger.
Give endurance to workers who persevere on this Labor Day and
insure fair wages and safe working environments.

In our Parish we continue to pray for:
Roy & Gail; Daryl & Sue; Roy; Jay; Sheila; Yasmine;
and those on our hearts.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer. 

God of wisdom and might,
we pray for our children, grandchildren, and teachers, returning to school this fall.
Be with all children as they begin a new school year. Bless them, and their teachers and staff.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer.

God of justice,
equip this congregation to boldly follow you in uncertain times and to remain faithful in prayer when facing challenges. Show us how best to love and care for one another, and those in our community.

Merciful God,
hear our prayer.

God of glory, we give thanks for the saints, who now dwell with you in splendour, particularly in our parish for St. John the Baptist.
Nurture us in faith until the day we join their heavenly song.

Hear us O God,
for your mercy is great.

Remember us according to your steadfast love as we offer these and the prayers of our hearts, trusting in your compassion, made known through Jesus Christ.    Amen.

As our Saviour taught us:
Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us fom evil.  
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
forever and ever.  Amen.

Living God,

May You continue to increase in us the healing power of your love. 
May You continue to guide and direct us, that we may please you in all things, in all our actions, and in all our witness to Your Gospel.
And may we truly know, and understand, that Your power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

The Blessing: 

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you, and remain with you, always.  Amen

Amen. Alleluia!