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:

We shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds from
the mouth of God.  

Matthew 4.4

O, Come.   Let Us Worship.

Gathering:

In this time and place we gather on the ancestral lands of Kwakwake’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth ,Coast Salish peoples and the Cowichan Tribes. 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.            

In this time and place together, one people in Jesus Christ. 

In the name of God, Creator, Saviour and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Collect for Today: 

Almighty God, 
Whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weaknesses, so we may know your power to save; 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:
Mark 1.9-15 

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.

Covenant #1: Baptism

As an introduction to my preaching theme for Lent 2024, this year I will be looking at 5 Covenants: Baptism, the Covenant of God with Abraham and Sarah, Ten Commandments, Promise to Moses, and the fifth, The Promise of a New Covenant.

 COVENANT #1 BAPTISM

In my reading this week, I discovered a new take, or at least to myself, on the theology of Baptism. “The baptismal covenant is made with us as individually, but the new life we are given at baptism is for the sake of the whole world.”

 Baptism: although it is given to us, we make it for the sake of the whole world.                       

There is one event in today’s gospel. (Or at least that is how we often interpret this reading.) Certainly, various translations of the of the sScriptures also see it as one event – The Baptism of Jesus.  

But what does that event mean? What is that event for us—for the Church? What was it for Jesus? 

So, in many ways, it is a ‘3 in 1’.           

In reality, there are three parts to this baptism: baptism/testing/ministry. When we separate the three out, we have a better understanding of the how our own baptism is meant to be celebrated and lived out in our own lives.            

At the same time, cultural practices within baptism are seen as two-fold, first one of salvation: decorated cakes fancy clothes. So, along with the salvation, it is an opportunity for a fancy party, we might say.  

And, yes, most of us have fallen into that cultural norm.  

But today I invite you to step back and take a second look at baptism: not only the baptism of Jesus, but also our own baptism.  We could look at Jesus’ baptism, and say, ‘but Jesus was different.’

“NOT SO.”            

There is no doubt, when we think about it, Jesus’ baptism was an “awe” filled moment in the life of our Christian faith.            

A reflection of just how awe-inspiring this event was, is representative in the numerous artistic interpretations: there are thousands. I also think of the awe-moments that I, as a priest, have had the privilege of sharing in, in the baptizing of young children, and older children.  

Let us take a closer look at these 3 parts: the first. 

‘In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." ‘
(Mark 1.9-11)          

Jesus has left home, walking a short distance to the Sea of Galilee. There, he meets up with John the Baptist and is baptized. We will assume it was full immersion baptism. If we are to take some literary license, we can build this into quite a moment.

The very moment would have suggested that John has already gathered quite a following around him: a large following that we read in Scripture, that he baptized with his baptism, but at the same time, he told them, “One is coming after me who will baptize you with more, with the Holy Spirit.”  

There would have been then many witnesses; not unlike church today when, in public worship, we gather people at the font, and we baptize people in our local parishes.            

All eyes are on the font, as I am sure, all eyes were on Jesus, as John baptized him. It would have been on the sea, and sometimes I wonder, when we stand around that font in our parish churches, ‘what we are looking for?’           

In Jesus’ case, Scripture tells us it was pretty dramatic. Heaven is torn open – the presence of the Spirit descends in the form of a dove – then this voice that comes out of nowhere, you might say, that says: “You are My Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 

From my perspective ,I can witness many similar moments in my experience of sharing in the sacrament of baptism.  

Then we move to the second portion of our reading. Two verses:

‘And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and (but) the angels waited on him.’
(Mark 1. 12-13)           

So, in many ways, he was not alone. These few verses tell us about what happened not only to Jesus, but also to us. In some ways, we are all thrown out into the wilderness of life, metaphorically speaking. 

Over the generations, we have often interpreted this time in Jesus’ life as a measure of testing, ‘if he was good enough.’  

We are not radically changed in the world. I remember well, on one occasion, a member of our parish when invited to receive the sacrament of baptism suggested that ‘they may not be good enough.’  Not being “good enough” stands in the middle of our own personal lives.

It is not about whether Jesus was good enough, or about whether I was good enough, or you were good enough. We are all good enough. And by the gift of Jesus, we will all withstand the temptation of “going without chocolate for forty days.”           

For myself, the whole idea of a 'holy Lent' is not about ‘being good enough,” it is about revealing our nature.   

Or, to see our lives as ‘being with God.’ 

And so, if we are with God, then we hear these words:

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1. 14-15)

 This is the moment. Jesus comes out of the wilderness-experience and enters into ministry. 

I am reminded of some of the sharing in the Common Room at our seminary, and how we talked about what that experience would be like for us, to come out the seminary, to go into that first parish. To, sort of, come out of that wilderness of a place where we were protected and where, you might say, where ‘we were cared for by the angels.’           

In some ways, we could interpret the seminary like that. And as Dr. Flynn, our Professor in Theology, told us at our orientation, “don’t worry we will put you back together before we send you out.”            

Melody Eastman writes: 

“We are not radically aligned with the will of God – which is exactly why we need the one who is. Jesus brings us into his alignment with God. He saves us, names us, provides for us opportunities to reveal the will of God, and calls us to proclamation.” 

Remember the opening sentence: “The baptismal covenant is made with us as individually, but the new life we are given at baptism is for the sake of the whole world.”           

Like Jesus leaving the wilderness, venturing back into the world - energized and feeling a purpose in his life - the same is true for us in our baptism being for the “whole world.”           

We bring this 'to perspective' in our practice with the symbolism of ‘packing up our Alleluia’s during Lent for forty days.’

The word “Alleluia” is rooted in a Hebrew expression that means “praise the Lord” and is, thus, omitted during Lent. The association of Alleluia with Easter led to the custom of intentionally omitting it from the liturgy during the season of Lent - a kind of verbal fast - which has the effect of creating a sense of anticipation, or even greater joy,  when the familiar word of praise returns.  

And so, may we each find new life in living into our covenant with our Lord, in knowing that our baptism is ‘for the sake of the whole world.’

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Let Us Pray

Trusting in God`s promise to reconcile all things, let us pray for the church, the well-being of creation, and a world in need. 
(Silence)

God our truth, the ark of your church has room for many expressions of faith. We give thanks for voices that challenge and awaken your people. 
Hear us, O God, your mercy is great.

God our maker, you remember your covenant with the earth and its inhabitants. Rescue communities and creatures hurting from natural disasters. Preserve species and habitats endangered by human carelessness and disregard. 
Hear us, O God, your mercy is great.

God our light, you know our weakness. Free all who govern from temptations of power. Sustain all who for human rights in every nation. 
Hear us, O God, your mercy is great.

God our help, you care for your beloved children. Comfort all who are grieving, ill, afraid, in pain, or in despair. Feed hungry people living in food deserts. Protect any at risk from exploitation and abuse. We continue to pray for: Gail; John; Sue; Sheila; and those on our hearts. 
Hear us, O God, your mercy is great.

God our home, you gather your people. Grant us health and safety as we assemble. Keep us mindful of any who are housebound, hospitalized, convalescing, or travelling. 
Hear us, O God, your mercy is great. 

God our hope, you promise eternal life to your beloved children. We remember with gratitude those who have lived and died in faith. Grant that we may also dwell with you in everlasting peace. Hear us, O God, your mercy is great. 

Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.    

As our saviour taught us to pray, we say:

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.

And the Peace of God, 
which passes all understanding, 
keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge
of the love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

Faithful God:
In this time of Lent, may we take time and increase our faith to discover the hope you have given us through our lives, that we may love your people and your world, and protect your creation; for yours is the Word of life.

Thanks be to God. Amen.